Yes! My high score!
Champion!
Oi.
Where do you think
you're going, young man?
Rome. I'm going to hold my breath
at the Olympics.
You better take this then, hadn't you?
Put your medals in.
Thanks, Mum. I gotta get going.
Have fun.
- Terry?
- What?
He's off to the Olympics again.
Oi.
You gone mad?
I told Mum I'm going to the Olympics.
I held my breath for nearly 58 seconds.
Really? Well, I tell you what.
Why don't you jump in and we can
hold our breath all the way home?
That's about a minute away.
Eddie, all this Olympic medal stuff,
it's driving me a bit mad, mate.
Driving about in the middle of the night,
dark, freezing cold, looking for you.
When I should be at home doing what?
Watching It's A Knockout, Dad?
Yeah.
Marbles one week,
holding your breath the next.
When is it all gonna end, young man?
- When I become an Olympian.
- I see.
- Say goodnight to your dad.
- Night, Dad.
Night-night, son.
- Night, Mum.
- Night, love.
That's good flexibility.
Great. Now flex your toes.
That's point your toes towards you.
Good boy, thank you.
Now, you've got to take it easy.
Don't do any climbing up trees
and too much running around. All right?
- His knees are still healing.
- Okay.
Feel okay?
Good. Well done.
Right, that's it!
Listen, enough is enough!
It's never bloody ending with you, son.
You're gonna come to work with me
and learn to plaster.
At least it might keep you out of trouble.
- What about my Olympic preparations?
- Eddie! You are not an athlete!
- Morning, Tel.
- All right, Shirley?
Now, today I shall be finishing off
an arctic stipple.
- What did I just say?
- Raspberry ripple?
No, not a raspberry ripple.
An arctic stipple.
Which is my piece de resistance.
My plasterer's trademark that you
shall spend all day learning, young man.
Dad, you're a genius.
Where's he gone now?
You're right,
I'm never gonna go to the Olympics.
I'm gonna go to the Winter Olympics.
Ladies and gentlemen, it gives me
great pleasure to introduce to you...
the Head of the British Winter Olympics
Selection Committee, Mr. Dustin Target.
Thank you, George.
Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.
Thank you so much for being here...
on this glorious day for British sport.
You have entered a new era for business...
just as we have embarked
on a new era for sport.
Today it is my honor...
and privilege, to present to you...
the 14 young men who are all candidates
for the British Olympic Downhill Team.
Vying for your sponsorship and support...
in achieving their dreams...
to reach the 1988 Winter Games in Calgary.
It's an opportunity that requires
a new kind of athlete...
and you deserve the best...
in return.
Sorry. Hands up, that was my fault.
I'm sorry, fellas.
George. George.
More champagne?
Edwards, you've made
quite an impact today.
Good, I was trying to.
I think we both know that you've gone...
as far as you can go with the squad.
We shan't be selecting you for the trials,
I'm afraid.
But keep up with the training.
Aim for the '92 Olympics.
Mr. Target, that's in 5 years' time.
I'm ready now.
No, you're not.
You know, I've got run times
just as good as any of that lot.
It's not all about speed.
It's about what school you went to, is it?
Frankly, Eddie...
you will never be Olympic material.
Goodbye.
You wanna get yourself qualified.
I mean it's not exactly a career, is it?
Skiing.
I mean, how much
does a downhill skier earn?
What's the take-home pay after tax?
Is there a pension? I doubt it very much.
Get yourself qualified
for something useful.
Yeah, all right, Dad.
I get the point.
You've been banging on about it
since I've been out of nappies. Sign me up.
Good lad.
Good lad.
Made you a nice cup of tea.
Thanks, Mum.
No more downhill, then?
Not exactly a career, is it?
Not even for fun?
No.
It's about time I started paying my way.
Bring those dirty overalls down, then.
For the wash, you're gonna need them.
Ski-jumping is probably the most
spectacular of all the alpine disciplines.
A majestic,
gravity defying mix of power...
balance and dare-devil courage.
And more than a few bruises.
As Icarus and Sir Isaac Newton
both discovered...
what goes up must come down.
In the world famous training camp
at Garmisch in Germany...
you will find
the world's elite ski-jumpers.
...such as the Flying Finn, Matti Nyknen,
showing how it's really done.
I hate to disappoint you but...
we haven't got
an Olympic ski-jumping squad.
Not even a small one?
No. Last...
No, Britain hasn't had
a ski-jumper since...
Here we go. Hector Mooney.
Yes, with a distance of 22.9 meters.
And there's no plans for a team
in the near future?
Well, not unless Mr. Mooney
comes out of retirement.
But he died in 1975 so, no.
That is a shame.
Mum, where's my purple rucksack?
- Under the stairs.
- Thank you.
Why? Are you going camping?
No. Going to Germany.
Coach leaving very soon.
What about your City & Guilds, son?
Sorry, Dad, I've gotta get on them slopes.
No. Not this again, no.
Excuse me.
Hang on. What am I gonna tell
your plastering teacher?
- Tell him I've made new plans.
- New plans?
What plans?
I'm gonna be an Olympic ski-jumper.
No. No.
This is some kind of joke, right?
Dad, it's not like I'm taking up ballet.
It's still skiing.
Just a bit higher.
You name me one, one British ski-jumper.
Me.
Eddie Edwards.
I'm gonna be the squad.
And who's gonna pay?
I'm not having your mother
put through all that again.
We had bailiffs knocking on the door,
all hours of the day, taking away the sofa.
And it's because of you
that I'm driving my campervan to work.
- They're dirty.
- I know.
We haven't had a holiday in three years
and your mother loves Blackpool.
- I don't like Blackpool, Terry.
- Dad.
It's gonna be okay, I promise.
I'm gonna work it out.
- He's gonna break his neck.
- I'm gonna break his neck.
Do you really wanna put yourself
through this again?
It's a world that doesn't wanna know you.
So what's new?
Are you trying to tell me you never had
a dream when you were a kid, Dad?
Course I did. I'm not made of stone, son.
You never said. What was it?
It was to be a plasterer.
Bye, Dad.
Yeah, bye, son.
You're the Flying Finn.
- You're Matti.
- I know.
You want an autograph?
Yes, please.
Bus ticket.
No.
Bye, Matti.
What are you doing here?
I'm so sorry,
I didn't have anywhere to sleep.
An Englishman sleeping in my cupboard.
Happens a lot. You know why?
It's the good German beer...
and not this pee-pee water
you're drinking back home. Am I right?
Well, no, actually. I don't drink.
So what are you doing here?
Well, I'm a ski-jumper.
Well, I want to be a ski-jumper.
I'm not yet but my mum says
I'm a very resourceful, determined person...
and I think that with some time
and guidance I probably will make it.
- You're a ski-jumper?
- Yeah.
Well, you are not the first ski-jumper
to wake up in my cupboard.
But, back in the past,
I would have been in here with you.
Okay.
You have somewhere to sleep tonight?
Okay.
You help me in the bar
and I'll let you stay here.
Really? That would be amazing.
And maybe sometimes
I come and visit you. Would you like that?
Would you like me to visit you?
I probably won't be here that much,
to be honest.
What with all the training
I mentioned and...
Do you have the key for the...?
I'll get it off you later.
- Okay. Good luck.
- Yeah.
Yes!
What a doddle.
Right. I think I'm ready
for that bigger one.
Okay.
I've seen worse injuries but normally
they come from the bigger jumps.
Who's your coach?
I've been giving it a lot of thought
and I'm not sure I need one.
Hey, Bjorn. Good to see you.
Norwegian.
He was a good jumper in his time.
Now he's a coach.
- He's a coach?
- I think so.
With the beard?
- Yes, the one...
- And the blond hair?
Thank you, Petra.
Hello?
Hiya, fellas, I'm Eddie Edwards.
I'm Great Britain. Oh God. Nude.
So, basically I...
I've just started on the 40 meters
and I'm making solid progress.
But wondered
if I could get some advice and tips.
How do you land, exactly?
- You been jumping long?
- Since yesterday afternoon.
I know, I'm already on the 40.
I'm a fast learner.
How old are you?
I'm 22.
In Norway, the time to be starting jumping
is when you are six years old.
- Six years old.
- Yeah.
Or younger.
No. You're a bit too late,
Mr. Britain man.
Yes, okay. Well, there's a lot
to be thinking about there so...
I'm gonna just get to it.
Okay.
Stupid Englishman.
I bet he's dead by the weekend.
No messing about this time. Let's do it.
So, you're the mystery elf
who's been hacking up my slope, huh?
Just you? No pickaxe?
You do realize the time to start jumping
is when you're five or six?
Thanks.
The Norwegians already told me that.
Did they also tell you
you look ridiculous in that gear?
At least I'm wearing a jacket.
This is my jacket, pal.
Maybe you should wear one, too.
- Drinking doesn't agree with me.
- Neither does ski-jumping.
When I want advice on how to
drunkenly plow snow, I'll look you up.
Don't even think about doing the 70 meter.
I don't want to have to clean up your mess
when you break your neck.
Whatever.
What would you know about it, anyway?
Get off my slope.
Bronson Peary.
Interstate youth champion 1968.
Then the Olympic Squad under Warren Sharp.
- The Warren Sharp?
- Yeah. The great American coach.
Peary was his star jumper.
He broke records.
He was really a gifted flyer
with a very special style. But...
he was too crazy, you know?
Now he's crazy in a different way.
- How come I've never heard of him?
- They kicked him out.
What for?
Arrogance. Bad discipline.
Drunkenness. Fornication.
What you probably call
"being a total loser."
Definitely him.
Petra, do you mind if I borrow this?
- Yeah, take it.
- Okay, thanks.
I thought we could have a chat about
me being an Olympic ski-jumper.
You've more chance of being a ballerina
than a jumper.
Good one.
I was just after a few tips, really.
Give up, there's one for free.
Petra told me
you used to jump for America.
Yeah, Petra has a lot of stories.
She gave me this book, actually,
by your old coach Warren Sharp.
Where's my jacket?
For as long as I can remember,
it has been my ambition
to become an Olympian.
What?
Olympics. Britain doesn't have
a ski-jumping team so I was thinking...
Okay. Now I know you're crazy.
I know we didn't get off to
the best of starts...
but you shouldn't be fixing rust-buckets.
You should be coaching.
Classic 1972 Trans-Am.
If I had your pedigree and experience...
Yeah, well you don't. I'm busy.
Okay, I've plateaued.
Without your help,
I don't think I'm gonna get any better.
Really? Then you won't get any better.
Right.
- I'll come back later.
- Don't.
What a lunatic.
Wanna see how it's really done?
Watch this guy. Number 2 in the world.
And he knew what he was doing.
You don't stand a chance.
Hi, Bronson.
You truly are a great Olympian.
Always drink milk when I'm in training.
Calcium. Helps to keep the bones strong.
Right, yeah. What do you think, Petra?
Good-looking boy like this
shouldn't be crashing into mountains.
- He should be crashing into ladies.
- Be nice.
Never been my speciality if I'm honest...
Really? Never would have guessed, man.
You still looking for pointers?
- It's that way back to England.
- Hey, shut it.
Hey, why don't you order another one?
They have no idea, do they?
You're the guy who struck the first
90 meters at Copper Peak,
with no headwind, in 1970 Opening Trials,
and they think you're just some old drunk.
Thanks, I think.
You can learn a lot
from that Warren Sharp's book.
Been doing your homework.
I'll cut to the point.
Gonna be up bright and breezy tomorrow
for some extra training.
No.
So the old drunk
is teaching the English how to jump.
That's fantastic. Is that milk?
I don't drink alcohol so...
I love it. It's good. It's too good.
Too good! Yeah.
There's a new team in town!
Hold this.
Milky Boy and the PistenBully driver!
Hey, don't hurt yourself.
My jumpers do not fight.
But I do.
Shit.
Did I win?
Not exactly. But I got your watch.
Come here, I'm gonna show you something.
Okay, this is the Norwegian training camp.
You wanted to get some tips.
Well, here is how not to do it.
Look at all this crap here.
I mean, what is all this?
They wanna turn everyone into robots.
They don't understand
the jumping paradox, man.
This is not just a sport, it's an art.
It's spiritual, man.
You gotta free your mind first.
You gotta just, kinda fly, man.
You wanna just fly.
What is the jumping paradox?
What?
The jumping paradox.
That thing you said a second ago.
Okay. I'm gonna say this once.
- The foundation of any jump is what?
- Take-off.
Very good.
Very good.
The paradox
is simultaneously stretching up...
and leaning into your descent.
It's unnatural because
you actually take-off downwards. Okay?
Your body has gotta lean forward
in order to give you the lift.
Like the wing of a bird.
Come on, man, be the wing of a bird.
That's it.
So, your skis go up, your legs go back.
Your body goes forward and you go down
all while falling at 70 mph.
Up, back, forward.
- What are you doing?
- Just helping.
Up, back, forward, down.
Up, back, forward, down.
- Say it.
- Up, back, forward, down.
Exactly.
Fell in love with this sport.
It started with this little baby.
This little 15 meter little vixen.
You manage to land that because
it's meant to hook you into the sport...
otherwise you wouldn't bother trying.
The 40 meter,
when you stack you get bruised,
which I don't need to explain to you.
Sorry.
The 70 meter...
you break bones
and you're lucky if you can walk again.
The 90 meter. The goddess.
In the Wild West
we'd be measuring you for your coffin
before you even reach the stairs.
Never forget that, kid.
You know what? Enough talk. It's showtime.
Showtime?
Sorry, mate, I just need to borrow them.
Oh, my God.
Come on! Spread your wings and die!
Good jump.
Yeah!
Let's party!
Up, back, forward, down.
Up, back, forward, down.
Yes! Yes, yes, yes!
Amazing.
I think I'm ready for the 70 meters.
How long you been sitting there?
Less than an hour. I landed the 40 meters.
I don't care.
And I've decided...
I'm going to the Olympics in Calgary.
Why don't you watch it on TV?
I'm not going to watch, I'm going to jump.
You're what?
I've got a golden opportunity.
Only thing I need to do to qualify
is compete.
Must be some minimum requirement.
Distance, number of jumps, talent?
No.
That's the beauty.
They've not updated the rules for 52 years.
What's your name, man?
- Eddie.
- Eddie, okay.
The smallest Olympic jump is 70 meters.
You'll die if you try it.
Given the average jumper takes four years
to build up to it.
- I'm not the average jumper.
- Correct. You're well below average.
I just did the 40 meters in a day.
I'm ready for the 70 meters.
I'll do it now if you want.
I'm ready for my breakfast, so...
Don't.
- I need your permission if I'm gonna jump.
- Just get the hell out of here.
- Not until I get your permission.
- Fine, you got it. Give me my breakfast.
- I'd like it in writing.
- I'll tattoo it on your face if you like.
No, that won't be necessary. Thanks.
Come on, let's go.
Any tips, then?
Don't die.
All right.
- You're not coming up?
- Crashes look just as good from here.
I'm doing it.
Sure you are.
- Hi.
- Yeah?
He's not actually going to jump, is he?
He's crazy but he's not suicidal.
He's just...
kylling, you know. Kylling.
- What?
- Game of chicken. Kylling.
- Everything okay?
- Yeah, fine. Just getting ready.
Never done it before.
Honestly?
- Could you give me a push, please?
- A push?
It's a lot higher than I expected it to...
Don't bend your legs!
Stay there. Can you move?
You could've killed yourself.
Just stay there.
Take it easy, everything's under control.
This happens again,
you will need a stretcher, too.
I'll look forward to it, man.
Take away.
Man.
Crazy Brit.
Peary was the most naturally gifted
ski-jumper I ever trained.
And he's also my biggest disappointment.
He should have been
my greatest champion...
but his focus was not always
on the mountain.
He never understood that a true Olympian
was not just about a God-given skill set.
It's about never giving up,
no matter what.
Knowing that doing your best
is the only option...
even if it results in failure.
Bronson Peary was
my biggest disappointment.
Not gonna kill me, are you?
If I wanted to kill you, I'd let you continue
this suicidal journey on your own...
because something tells me
you're not gonna give up.
I plan to try and jump the 70 meters again
as soon as possible.
No. Your plan is as follows.
I am gonna teach you
how to land the 70 meter.
Let's face it,
you've done the hardest part which is...
actually having the guts to do it. Right?
Most people take one look at it,
walk away forever.
Not Eddie Edwards, so...
Garmisch Seniors Tournament. Next month.
Final jump is an open event so
if you could just land one jump, you are...
- Going to the Olympics.
- Exactly. Get better soon.
- All right, coach.
- I'm not your coach. Okay?
Seriously. A coach teaches you
how to jump properly.
I'm teaching you to land to get you
out of my hair as soon as possible. Got it?
- Peary.
- What?
Thanks.
Fine. Get better.
If you're gonna do this,
we should run through things.
Are your knees better? They better be.
- Okay, you ready?
- Yeah.
Okay, before we start,
who's your favorite female movie star?
- Honestly?
- Yeah.
- Bo Derek.
- Bo Derek? Okay, good call.
Okay, every jump from here on in...
I want you to approach it as though
you are making love
to the beautiful Bo Derek.
- Okay?
- Right.
Starting gate is your foreplay.
The in-run is where you build your rhythm.
And the take-off,
that's your special moment. All right?
Same facial expressions.
Same straining of the muscles.
Same peaceful feeling of release.
If you do it right.
Of course, with any act of love-making
there's only one way to be sure
you've done it right.
Right?
Yeah.
You fall asleep?
She falls asleep?
Okay. Watch.
Bo Derek!
Yeah!
- Right. Am I going down there?
- Yeah.
Brilliant.
Crouch. Clench. Release.
That's it.
Yes!
The most shattering physical
and emotional experience of your life
and that's the noise you make?
It is in England, yeah.
Do it again.
- That's what I'm talking about.
- That was better, weren't it?
Bo Derek! Yeah, baby!
I think a little bit of wee came out.
So, all you have to do is
make this landing and you qualify.
One jump away from the Olympics, man.
Get your skis.
Okay. Stay focused.
Do everything I told you to do only better.
A lot better. Go.
He says you must treat every jump
as if it is your last.
We are saying for us, that is easy.
I know the feeling.
Idiot. The Englishman will die.
Edwards...
Good luck.
Edwards. Great Britain.
Come on, Eddie. Come on, man.
Bo Derek.
Arms back, chest down, fanny in.
Lift, lift!
Edwards, 34 meters.
You're in the Olympics.
Really?
"Plucky plasterer 'Fast' Eddie Edwards..."
Fast?
"set a new British record in ski-jumping
last week at Garmisch, Germany...
"jumping 34 meters."
"Plucky plasterer."
My dad would like that.
Peary, this has got the Olympic rings on.
Well, it won't open itself, man.
"We request the pleasure of your company
at the British Olympic Headquarters."
My work is done, man. You're on your way.
"Fast" Eddie Edwards.
- Mr. Edwards.
- Mr. Target.
I just wanted to say to you
and to all of you...
what an honor this is and...
I promise not to let you
or the Olympic Team down.
Yes, that's very nice, Eddie, but...
in the interest of safety
we've ratified a minimum distance of...
61 meters.
Great.
"Athletes must now have jumped
a minimum distance of 61 meters...
"in a British Olympic Association
recognized tournament...
"in order to qualify for
the National Olympic Squad."
- I'm afraid your jump doesn't count, son.
- Wait, hang on.
- I've already qualified.
- Well, technically, you haven't.
Because you just changed the rules.
It costs 4.5 million
to send a National Squad to the Olympics.
The Government gives us
a mere fraction of that.
How do you think
we make up the difference?
- TV.
- Sponsorship.
These companies pay
to be associated with certain qualities.
Excellence. Achievements. Victory.
Strangely, they have no desire
to be associated with
ludicrous antics and defeat.
So, why do I stop being ludicrous
if I jump 61 meters?
That is the distance
ratified by our Safety Committee.
Personally, I'd prefer it to be higher.
Or is it longer? I never can tell.
Either way,
we will not have amateurs in the Olympics.
I thought the Olympics was for amateurs.
As the premier jumper
and the British record holder...
don't you think I have a right
to represent my country?
No.
You can see yourself out.
What?
- It's British unausstehlichs.
- I know.
The only way to qualify
is to make 61 meters in competition.
So I'm gonna go on the European circuit.
Man, that's easier said than done.
I'd need you to come, too.
Will you help me?
Sure, Fly Boy. Why not?
You get the money, the transport, I'm in.
Let's do this.
So, if this is you now...
how much more are they asking you to jump?
That's you up poo creek.
Terry.
If I'm gonna go on the European circuit
I'm gonna need to raise some serious cash.
Don't ask us, we ain't got any.
I know.
What about the money for the van?
Can't that wait till next year?
No. I am not spending
any more money on this rubbish.
It's a matter of time before
he walks through that door in a wheelchair.
So you've gotta stop taking these
stupid risks and do a bit of plastering.
You tried your best. Fair play. Well done.
But it wasn't good enough.
So all this has gotta stop. End of.
Okay.
Hurry up. I don't wanna be late.
- What are you doing?
- He's coming to work with me.
- Is he?
- Yeah.
Oi, son, up you get.
Look...
- What the hell are you playing at?
- Just need it for a few weeks.
Get out of that van. Now.
I'll take really good care of it, I promise.
Thank you. Love you.
Oi. Come back here!
You thieving little git!
- Did you know about this?
- Yeah.
And you're not gonna like what I did
with our savings, either.
The wanderer returns, huh?
Mum gave me some money
and I sorted out the transport.
Is that what you call it?
Come on, let's get a drink.
Hang on.
I don't wanna get snow on the seat.
This window is a bugger.
I think it's a good thing
they turned you down, man. It is.
I mean, 61 meters is a genuine distance.
Means you gotta do this for real.
Easy for you to say, you were a champion.
You were always really good.
I was kicked off every team
before I got a chance to prove myself.
Believe it or not, I do know
what it's like to be written off.
Of course, my solution was
just to crawl inside the bottle here, but...
I was in hospital for a year
when I was a kid.
Dodgy knees.
All the doctors said
I should give up sport.
Take up reading.
First book I got:
The Official Olympic Photo Album 1972,
Moments of Glory.
Yeah, I know it.
Well, anyway, that is the book
that made me realize
I needed my own moment.
That one thing I could do
to prove them all wrong.
Do you think I'm mad?
Yeah.
You're completely mad, man. But, hey...
you kinda gotta be mad
to do this sport, right?
Yep.
So...
if you want your moment, Eddie Edwards,
I can get you your moment.
But it's gonna hurt like hell.
For both of us.
We need to get you some proper equipment.
- What are we doing here?
- Shopping.
Perfect. Size 11, right?
Wow.
- Is this not theft?
- It's the Lost and Found, man.
Some guy dropped 10 bucks on the street
and you pick it up would that be theft?
Yes.
- What if he didn't know it was missing?
- Then I'd give it to charity.
Eddie, you are a charity.
Your needs are much greater.
What about you?
Me? I'm just stealing these.
- Any better?
- It's not better. It's crap.
- It's more difficult than I expected.
- Good.
You're a disgrace to the sport.
Really? Good.
Personal best!
And we're a disgrace!
Keep working on your Telemark landing.
It's key.
You're on your own, man.
Faster, Peary!
More speed!
It's as fast as this rust-bucket goes.
Edwards. 49 meters.
It's a practice jump. You don't need
paperwork for a practice jump.
At Oberstdorf we do
everything to the letter.
- I could've done two jumps by now.
- Relax. Focused, not tense, remember?
Focused, not tense.
I did it. 61 meters.
Without a headwind or breakfast.
Do that tomorrow, you're in,
they can't get rid of you.
Really? I'm gonna tell your dad.
He's gonna love it. Yeah, all right.
All right, lovely.
Oh, my God.
He has just jumped 61 meters in practice.
61 meters.
And if he makes that tomorrow,
he qualifies for the Olympics!
Number 11, Edwards. Great Britain.
Ready.
Edwards, Great Britain. No jump.
This is my last chance.
You've got to give me another run.
- We do everything to the letter.
- You keep saying.
But it doesn't help me.
The British Olympic Association are
trying to stop me, but I have to do this.
This year 61 meters.
Next year it'll be 71 meters.
Then it's too late.
I am going up that hill to jump
and you are going to record my distance.
No more jumping.
Hey, come on.
Let's go, man. Let's go.
You gotta put that crash behind you, Eddie.
And remember that practice...
I want you to know that was
the best jump you've ever done, by a mile.
Everything was working, man, everything.
It was...
Your take-off, your timing,
your balance...
your trajectory all working together.
It was like second nature. It was...
It was beautiful.
I was really proud of you, man.
Mum...
Dad was right.
Wasted all this time and money on nothing.
My dream's turned into a nightmare.
I'm really sorry to have done this...
I promise I'm gonna make it up to you.
- No more messing around.
- Don't be silly.
You've had knock-backs before
and it's never stopped you.
Dust yourself off.
Mum, you don't understand.
I'm never going to the Olympics.
That was my one chance and I blew it.
So I'm gonna work the week out for Petra
and then I'm coming home.
Good.
Get the van back sharpish,
and I don't ever wanna hear about
ski-jumps again.
Goodnight.
Don't worry about him, love.
It'll be fine.
- I love you.
- Love you, too, Mum.
Bye.
Bye.
Hey, Eddie, this came for you.
Thank you.
- Peary!
- Come here. I've been doing some thinking.
They recorded the flippin' practice jump.
It's official. It counts.
- 61 meters.
- "Everything to the letter."
You should go and pack, my friend,
because we are going to Canada.
If you go now,
they're never gonna let you back.
- You understand that?
- So?
So, all you can prove is
you don't mind coming last?
I don't mind really.
Okay, look, you and me,
we should take another four years. Okay?
Let me coach you properly
and we can do this for real.
You could even jump the 90 meter
and be taken seriously, Eddie.
What are you talking about?
We've just pulled off the impossible.
I'm gonna go.
Then you're on your own.
It won't mean anything
if you sell yourself short.
What's the matter with you?
We should go back in '92,
not as a qualifier, as a contender.
This is everything we've worked for,
isn't it?
Listen to me...
a year after I got bumped
from the Olympic Squad
I went back to Warren Sharp to apologize.
I literally got down on my knees
and I begged him to let me jump again.
You wanna know
what his last words to me were?
"You will never take jumping seriously
"because you do not
take yourself seriously."
Okay. Are they gonna be
your last words to me, too?
Don't make the same mistake, Eddie.
Okay? I'm begging you.
Do it right or don't do it at all.
You're crazy. This time a year ago
you were plowing snow.
And you were landing on your head.
Look at the progress we've made.
Exactly! This is my moment!
Don't make this your moment, please!
They'll make you a fool.
Well, I'd rather be a sober fool
than a drunken coward!
Any pinching under the arms, sir?
Maybe you were right,
we should have gone for 71 meters.
Yes, maybe you should have.
And where do you think you're going,
young man?
- The Olympics.
- I know.
I thought you might need this.
- Don't think I'll win any medals.
- Well, you never know, pet.
But if not, you'll like the sandwiches.
Thank you.
Your dad's sorry he couldn't come.
Have fun.
I will.
Skis in the back, Edwards.
He seems nice.
Yeah. Thanks for coming, Mum.
Okay, this guy right here.
Okay, give me some space, boys.
I'll catch you in five, fellas.
Gotta love them mountains, huh.
- Eddie, isn't it? Zach.
- I know.
This is my second Olympics.
So I know exactly how you're feeling.
Little bit overwhelmed?
- Just glad to be here really.
- Yeah, I bet.
I know Target's not a big fan,
but forget about him.
You're part of the team
and that makes you okay in my book.
In fact we've got
a little team tradition going.
I'd love you to come along.
I was gonna have a stroll
and get my bearings.
What do you need to know? We're in Canada.
You've got mountains and snow.
Now you've got your bearings.
You're gonna love this. Let's go.
I don't really drink, Zach.
Everybody on the team does it.
Do you wanna put a curse on us all?
A curse, really?
It's just a thing.
Some of the guys believe it.
It's for good luck...
but it's a team tradition, Ed.
And you are part of this team.
To the British team.
There you go, that's the spirit.
Can I get a lager beer
and a mineral water here, please?
- Do I have to do all five of them?
- Yeah, you bet.
Good choice. That's absinthe.
57 nations.
1,700 athletes.
60,000 spectators.
And more than 2 billion TV viewers
around the globe.
All have come together
for the 15th Olympic Winter Games...
where today...
the words will be spoken:
"Let the games begin!"
Where is he?
I can't see him.
What are they doing
with those stupid berets on?
It's all a bit stupid if you ask me.
I mean,
what have horses gotta do with skiing?
Okay.
I love this guy.
Wake up, Princess Anne.
My head.
How long have I got?
I'm sorry, it seems like you overslept.
Me and the fellas wanted to thank you
for helping us avoid that curse.
Think I'm about to have
my first fight, ever.
This is the complaint
I was telling you about.
- What's going on here?
- Team talk.
I find that rather surprising considering
you were not with the team earlier.
Any particular reason you were not with us
at the ceremony?
Upset tummy.
Had to come down and clean my kit.
You'd better get your nerves under control
otherwise you'll be jumping in a nappy.
The crowd have really come alive
at the sight of the Flying Finn.
Not what you'd call an accessible figure.
Prefers to let his jumping do the talking.
And here he comes.
Oh, my word! This is his first speech.
That is a big jump. That is very big.
It's over 100 meters. It's 114 meters.
That is a very impressive first jump.
The crowd are on their feet.
Mind you, he doesn't look very impressed...
because he sets himself
very high standards.
We'll definitely see him this time, love.
Yeah, falling on his arse.
The one participant from Great Britain...
number 24, Eddie Edwards.
And here he comes.
Britain's Michael "Eddie" Edwards.
Come on, Eddie.
Terry, love, he's about to jump. Come on.
A relative newcomer to the sport.
Not a lot of information about him.
He would never have experienced an
atmosphere like this before, that's for sure.
It'll be the first for me to be
commentating on a British...
ski-jumper at the Olympics
and let's hope he's the first of many.
Yes!
To say his style is unorthodox would be
something of an understatement...
but it obviously works for him.
And the scoreboard shows... 60.5 meters.
It is a new British Olympic record.
Oh, my God.
I'm a British record...
Mum, I love you. British record!
I love you, too, son.
I'm a British record holder! Yes!
And look at the young man.
He's overjoyed with himself.
And the crowd are loving this.
He's really getting them going.
Eddie, what are you doing? Not funny.
He may not have soared like an eagle,
but he's certainly flapping around like one.
Would you believe it?
Britain's Eddie "The Eagle" Edwards
having the time of his life.
The crowd have certainly taken
our Eddie "The Eagle" to their hearts.
What a character.
Looks like that's the last we'll be seeing
of Great Britain's Michael Edwards...
as he comes last in the 70 meter.
Some people are calling him
Eddie "The Eagle."
I think, given his distances,
Eddie "The Penguin"
would be a little more apt.
But at least we have the 90 meter
to look forward to.
Now this is the event that truly separates
the men from the boys.
One boy who won't be there
is Eddie "The Eagle"...
as it's hard to play up to the crowd
when you're strapped to a stretcher.
But now over to the bobsleigh event
where the Jamaican team
are trying to steal Eddie's...
Michael Edwards,
but everyone calls me Eddie.
Your name's not here.
Well, can you check again?
I am on the team.
You might be on the team
but you're not on the list.
- Appleby, you old dog.
- Zach.
Say hi to your daughter for me.
Eddie, there you are. I'm Carrie.
I handle the press for the British team.
Been looking all over for you.
Where have you been?
Here. I tried to get into the lunch
but my name's not on the list.
Never mind that.
There's a big press turn-out
and they want to hear your story.
- Wow. Really?
- Yes.
You must remember to thank
the British Olympic Association
for all their support.
- That's very important.
- Okay.
Don't be nervous.
Just be yourself and try and enjoy it.
Okay.
Control yourselves, people.
Everybody sit down.
One at a time. Sit down.
I'd like to introduce you to Eddie Edwards,
sometimes known as Eddie "The Eagle."
Hello, everybody.
- How long have you been ski-jumping for?
- Nearly almost a year.
I'm not sure, I haven't been counting.
Do you have your own skis?
Do you own your own skis?
I wasn't told about this.
What the hell is going on?
It's press. They can't get enough of him.
I get so many requests for interviews.
He's a PR dream.
Really?
Well it looks more like a nightmare.
Wind it up as soon as you can.
We have better things to do.
Will you do
one of your special eagle flaps for us?
What, this one?
Eddie "The Eagle" Edwards
has divided opinion here in Calgary.
Some athletes and officials
are questioning his right to be here.
Hello, Eddie.
Clive North. The Sun.
Now, listen, there's a hairdresser in Bristol
claiming that she's been your lover...
for the last two years.
Any comment?
Now, Ron, as a British commentator,
what are your thoughts?
He's earned his right to be here.
Love him or hate him, you have to admire
his spirit and determination.
And let's not forget what the founder
of the Olympic movement,
Baron de Coubertin said:
"The most important thing
in the Olympic Games is not to win
"but to take part."
It's not the triumph but the struggle.
Got any photos of yourself as a baby?
...keep ourselves lean and mean.
Make sure the...
Keep the wolf from the door.
- Did you see me on TV?
- Yeah, we all saw you, man.
- And?
- And what?
And what did you think?
Still think I made the wrong decision?
They love me.
You confirmed all my fears.
No-one is taking you seriously.
You are nothing but a side-show.
And the very minute
that 90 meter competition starts
you'll be forgotten.
Okay? So enjoy your 15 minutes of fame.
- Well, don't hold back, will you.
- You asked for the truth, bud.
Hello.
- Everything's ready. What's going on?
- It's gonna be okay, I promise.
I could get into big trouble
for this, Eddie.
- Be fine.
- Okay.
Thank you.
Thank you all for coming.
I'm not deluded.
I know there are plenty of athletes
more deserving of publicity than me.
And I would like to apologize
if my silly antics have cast a shadow
over their achievements.
I also know I was messing around
after the 70 meter jump the other day.
I was very excited.
But I take jumping very seriously.
In fact, I love it.
I love it very nearly as much as
proving people wrong.
Which is why I've decided to compete
in the 90 meters.
What?
Wait, I...
I know I'd originally only intended
to jump the 70 meters.
But as people much wiser than me say...
competing in the Olympics doesn't mean
anything if you sell yourself short.
I didn't come here as a novelty act.
And I will not be going home as one.
Thank you for your time.
In the Wild West
we'd be measuring you for your coffin
before you even reach the stairs.
Eddie "The Eagle."
Yeah, it has kind
of a ring to it, I guess.
Wow.
I thought you said I was a fool.
Yeah, well, an old friend
helped me see things differently.
What's with the fluff?
You having a crisis of confidence?
- Fluff? This is a mustache.
- Is that what you call it?
Yeah. Nice jacket.
What happened to the other one?
Well, I got rid of it.
Really?
For now.
And it's cold, let me tell you.
So is this the bit where you say
"I told you so"?
No, this is where I say
that without the booze
I wouldn't even have
the guts to do that jump.
- As your coach, I think you're crazy.
- I don't know what I was thinking.
But as your friend, I say you gotta do it.
This is your moment.
I need a practice jump.
What do you need to know
you don't know already?
It's higher than you've jumped.
You're gonna go faster than ever before.
You're gonna fly farther than
your tiny little brain can handle, but...
it's just a jump, man. Simple.
Eddie, listen.
You got more dedication, more heart
and spirit than any jumpers out there.
Any of them.
Jesus, I spent six months
trying to get rid of you, dude.
You're like gum on my shoe,
you never gave up.
I mean, are you gonna give up now,
at the Olympics?
This is your moment.
You're Eddie "The Eagle," man.
Proud of you. I'm proud of myself.
That's very modest, Peary.
You do realize
smoking is a lot more dangerous
than jumping the 90 meters?
90 meters, what is that in feet?
I dunno, about 300.
No, actually, it's about 295.
Oh, my God.
I wanna hear you at the back
of the stands.
Okay, if you're not yelling it,
you're not selling it.
You're quite a popular guy, Eagle-Man.
Every time you turn on TV you're there.
Yeah. Maybe perhaps you can tell us,
what's the secret?
Clothes.
...underneath the landing area making it
harder and more dangerous than usual.
Can't we watch It's A Knockout?
I'll knock you out
if you turn that channel over.
You're gonna land really hard
on this jump.
When your skis hit the slopes,
you gotta keep your butt up.
That is a very nasty crash.
No, he won't be walking away from that.
I can see the paramedics
rushing to give him help.
Otherwise you're gonna be joining him.
Well, that may not be
the only wipe-out we see today...
not with Britain's Eddie "The Eagle"
Edwards coming up soon.
Eddie's coach is none other than
Bronson Peary...
fallen whiz-kid of '70s ski-jumping.
And a former Olympic squad member
of yours, if I'm not mistaken, Warren.
Well, we spent some years together, yes.
What do you think about
his unconventional return to the sport?
In jumping there's an expression...
"You're never bigger than the hill."
And that was Bronson Peary to a tee.
I never could deal with that.
It broke us apart...
because, as a young man,
he had such talent.
Technique, flair.
Everything but discipline.
As a jumper he was so disrespectful...
of the sport that I'm afraid he's gonna do
the same thing now as a coach.
Thank you, Warren.
Certainly sharp words from Warren Sharp...
No pressure there, then.
Where's my jacket when I need it?
Edwards!
I'm Edwards.
- You all right?
- Yeah, fine.
You all right?
Yeah.
Good.
Let's do this.
Eddie "The Eagle." Eddie "The Eagle."
For you. Not for them.
Just relax. Forget about the numbers,
just remember your fundamentals.
Don't worry about how far.
Just up, back, forward, down. Okay?
- You got this.
- Peary.
It's gonna be all right.
Bo Derek, all or nothing.
Give it both barrels, man.
See you at the bottom.
Jumping is all that matters.
If I didn't jump,
I would drink and have sex all the time.
Congratulations on your medal.
I win gold but I didn't do my best.
You see, if I've done my best
I can come last and be happier.
- Like me?
- You do not do good.
No, I suppose not.
You've done better.
Yeah.
Do you think I'm being patronizing?
No, no, no.
You and I are like
1 o'clock and 11 o'clock.
You see we are closer to each other
than to others.
Winning, losing,
all that stuff is for the little people.
Men like us, we jump to free our souls.
We are the only two jumpers
with a chance to make history today.
If we do less than our best
with the whole world watching...
it will kill us inside.
For all time.
Good luck, Matti.
On to gate number 49,
Matti Nyknen from Finland.
And here he comes, Matti Nyknen...
the Flying Finn.
The youngest World Champion ever...
and on his day, the most supreme...
jumper the sport has ever seen.
He makes it look so effortless.
And that's it.
Olympic history has been made today.
The crowd rise to acclaim the champion.
Now, up next for the 90 meter
from Great Britain...
number 24, Eddie Edwards.
Come on.
By virtue of the fact
that he jumped the 70 meter...
Edwards qualified for the 90 meter
which should prove quite spectacular.
As I'm informed,
he's never jumped the 90 meter before.
Eddie, you are not an athlete!
Come on, man, just go, go, go.
What are you doing?
You tried your best
but it wasn't good enough, was it?
Don't tell me he's freezing up.
He hasn't got much time left.
Come on, Eddie.
What's he doing?
What's he doing up there?
Seems to be having second thoughts.
Surely he's gonna jump.
You will never be Olympic material.
Edwards.
Push!
Up and out. Up and out.
No, release. Come on, release!
He seems to have lost it in the flight.
Not sure how he's gonna make this landing.
He's down.
No, he's on his back. Can he recover?
Come on, Eddie.
Yes!
- Yes!
- Yes!
He's made it! Unbelievable!
Yes!
I've been waiting a long time to say this,
well, here goes...
The Eagle has landed.
Eddie "The Eagle." Eddie "The Eagle."
But it's a personal best
in competition for Edwards.
71.5 meters...
and that is a new British Olympic record!
- How did you not fall? It was unbelievable.
- I have never gone that far before.
To see 71 meters it was like...
Is that a good book?
Instructive?
Very.
May I?
You...
brilliant.
Well done.
I was wrong...
about you.
Champion.
You have broken world records.
You have established
many of your own personal bests...
and some of you
have even soared like an eagle.
It was so flattering.
- I wasn't expecting that at all.
- Yeah. Well, I think I can match that.
"Now the real work begins.
WS." Warren Sharp.
So how about it?
Here's to the next four years.
God, that's good.
Hello, Mum.
Hello. Where do you think you've been,
young man?
Competing in the Olympics, Mum.
I'm so proud of you, son.
I mean that. I'm so proud of you, mate.
Thanks, Dad.
So proud of you, man.