Eddie the Eagle gives up ski jumping and reality shows to become a fully qualified solicitor
EDDIE the Eagle is hoping to become a legal eagle, and could be ditching the skis for the Bar instead.
The British skiing legend, real name Eddie Edwards, is hoping to become a solicitor after completing a law degree back in 2003.
Eddie won the hearts of the nation at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Canada, but is hoping to swap the ski slope for courtroom.
Speaking to the Daily Star Eddie said: "I've done the groundwork on law and that's the way I want to go. I am totally committed to moving my law degree on and I'm loving every minute of my learning.
"I always know that people will only remember me for my efforts in Calgary which, I must admit, seem without doubt to have kept the name alive.
"But I honestly love law and really hope it can take off for me. I'm going for it."
Eddie captured the world’s imagination in 1988 when he competed in the ski jump at the Calgary Winter Olympics – Britain’s first competitor in the hair-raising event since 1929.
More than a stone heavier than his nearest rival and wearing large glasses than steamed up as he jumped, Eddie finished 73rd out of 73 jumpers.
But he emerged from the games more famous than any of the other competitor at that year’s Games.
His efforts even earned him the British record with a leap of 73.50metres.
A good downhill skier, plasterer Edwards switched to the ski jump in a bid to make the winter games.
He was seen by many to embody the Olympic spirit and became a celebrity overnight with appearances on The Tonight Show in America.
His story was made into the movie Eddie the Eagle last year, with Taron Egerton in the title role and Hugh Jackman as Edwards’ coach.
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