Michael Edwards, better known as Eddie the Eagle, has opened up about the harsh realities behind his Olympic dream, revealing that he was forced to scavenge for food in bins during his training days. The 52-year-old, who became a household name after finishing last in both ski jumps at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics, admitted that his path to the Games was far from glamorous.
Speaking ahead of the release of a new biopic about his life, Edwards recalled the financial struggles he faced as a self-taught ski jumper. 'I was probably closer to an ostrich than an eagle,' he joked, referencing his ungainly style. 'I had to borrow skis, tie my helmet on with string, and sometimes I would dive into bins to find food. It was a slippery slope to the Olympics, but I never gave up.'
The film, which stars Taron Egerton as Edwards, has been praised for capturing the spirit of the underdog, even if it takes significant creative liberties. Edwards noted that while the movie is only about 5% factually accurate, it perfectly conveys the heart of his story. 'They showed me as a hapless loser, but in reality I was a decent athlete. But for the film, the mishaps made a better story.'
Edwards, who now works as a builder and plasterer when not promoting the film, reflected on the snobbery he faced in the skiing world. 'I was a working-class lad competing in a sport full of privileged poshos. The establishment hated me, but the public loved me. That's what made it special.'
Despite the challenges, Edwards has no regrets. 'When I plummeted into infamy at Calgary, I never thought a film would be made about my life. But here we are, and I'm proud of what I achieved. I may have finished last, but I did it my way.'
