Eddie The Eagle has commented on his ski jump on Sunday at the Calgary winter Olympic Park, his first jump there since he competed in the Calgary Games 29 years ago.
"It was fantastic to go back to the place where I have so many memories from the '88 winter games. The reception from the people in Calgary has been amazing too and it was great to catch up with old friends. I look forward to going back again in the future," said Eddie, who is now 53.
Edwards took two jumps each off 18-, 38- and 70-metre jumps on Sunday. His farthest jump was 24 meters (79 feet), according to Canadian media but advance news of his intention to jump again drew crowds of around 1,000 fans to watch.
In 1988, Eddie finished last on both the 70- and 90-metre hill competitions, his biggest jump about 55 metres, but he gained world fame and has become known as the embodiment of the Olympic spirit in world where some believe the Olympic spirit has been largely obliterated by the increasing professionalism of the world's top sports people. A fictionalised film version of his life was released last year.
Eddie's nickname began at the Calgary games, prior to his arrival there to compete he was Michael Edwards.
The event was run by British tour operator Kicking Horse Powder Tours and it followed a week of skiing with Eddie around Kicking Horse resort in BC with the company's guests.
