Eddie The Eagle
There’s one more Olympian who needs a special mention. Michael Edwards, or “Eddie the Eagle”, may not have returned home from the 1988 Calgary Games with any medals for his display cabinet, but he had won the heart of the nation – perhaps even the world – for his commitment to ski jumping.
Despite finishing last in both the 70m and 90m events, his efforts were applauded by audiences They were also amused every time Edwards’s trademark thick glasses steamed up underneath his ski goggles.
Since those days, Edwards has become a ski instructor and is the world number nine in amateur speed skiing. He’s also recorded pop songs in Finland, graduated with a degree in law and appeared on several TV entertainment shows.