Eddie the “Eagle”

British Olympian Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards prepares to pay flying visit to Newport.

Olympic Ski Jumper Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards, will be the guest speaker at the next meeting of the City of Newport Business Club at the Celtic Manor on Thursday 24th November 2016.

Famous for representing Great Britain at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, where he came last, (although nevertheless jumping far enough to break the British record), his lack of success endeared him to people around the globe. He subsequently became a media celebrity and appeared on talk shows around the world. Admirers praised him as representing the true Olympic spirit as an amateur athlete who wanted to compete at the best of his ability for its own sake, regardless of his chances of winning.

A film based on Eddie’s experiences was launched earlier this year starring Taron Egerton and Hugh Jackman and has re-ignited interest in Britains’ most famous Olympic Ski Jumper.

Chairman Dan Goulding said, “Anyone who spends any time looking into the life and times of Eddie Edwards will be intrigued by his sheer tenacity and ability to keep going in the face of adversity. He has overcome physical impairment, lack of funding and opposition from many quarters to claim his place in Olympic sporting history. Some might say his chief quality was to pursue his dream, against the odds.”

To come and hear Eddie’s story for yourself, get yourself a ticket by visiting the City of Newport Business Club.