Nearly 40 years have passed since Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards captured the world’s imagination by hurtling down a daunting 90-metre ski jump to represent Britain at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. Back then, few in the UK even followed ski jumping beyond the occasional Ski Sunday broadcast. Despite his now-legendary status—marked by trademark thick glasses and a fearless spirit—Eddie was initially seen more as a lovable underdog than an athletic hero.
Arriving late to his own press conference due to Olympic officials doubting his credentials, and famously nicknamed Mr Magoo after a mishap with airport glass doors, Eddie’s story was one of unwavering spirit and determination. Now 62, he remains good-humored and grounded, relishing simple pleasures like Greggs pasties and time spent with his partner, Karen Pearce.
After calling Gloucestershire home for over 20 years—the place where he first laced up skis at Gloucester Ski Centre—Eddie is preparing to make a significant change. He and Karen, a gardener from Kingsclere on the Hampshire-Berkshire border, are moving in together into their newly purchased home in her village. “My work takes me across the UK and beyond, so location doesn’t limit me,” Eddie says. “Karen didn’t want to lose her gardening clients, so the move made sense.”
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Though he once vowed to stay near his daughters Ottilie Rose and Honey May, now 21 and 19, Eddie feels the time is right to embrace this new chapter, splitting his time between Gloucestershire and Hampshire. Though he’ll miss the breathtaking Cotswolds views and proximity to family and friends, the move is a step toward enjoying life more fully without the distractions of building projects he no longer wants to manage.
Eddie’s life journey from a Gloucestershire plasterer’s son to ski jump sensation has been extraordinary. Despite visual challenges—short-sighted in one eye, long-sighted in the other—he pursued skiing with relentless passion, even sleeping in his car during early struggles. At 22, an age when many ski jumpers retire, he began training, ultimately securing a spot in Calgary just five weeks before the Games.
His iconic performance sparked “Eddie the Eagle” mania but also led to stricter Olympic qualification rules—the “Eddie the Eagle rule”—which prevented him from competing again. Still, he takes pride in his breakthrough as a symbol of tenacity and passion, even as he sidelines watching most sports in favor of films and selective winter events.
Beyond skiing, Eddie leads an active, health-conscious lifestyle, playing golf and dancing with Karen—whom he met at a simple tea dance in Wiltshire. Together, they travel frequently, savoring life experiences over material possessions.
Financially, Eddie has experienced highs and lows, including bankruptcy and legal battles, but the success of the 2015 Hollywood film about his life helped revitalize his career. Today, he enjoys steady speaking engagements and promotional work.
Recently placing sixth on Dancing on Ice and playing a role in a panto, Eddie’s zest for new challenges remains undiminished. Yet, he now looks forward to quieter moments, like celebrating Christmas in his new home with Karen.
Reflecting on his legacy, Eddie hopes to be remembered not just as the quirky ski jumper with thick glasses but as a resilient, determined individual who inspired others to chase their dreams against all odds. “I like being underestimated,” he says with a smile. “It means I can keep surprising people—and putting smiles on their faces along the way.”