Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards fears for future of Winter Olympics due to climate change with Beijing events using fake snow
EDDIE ‘THE EAGLE’ EDWARDS fears for the future of the Winter Olympics due to climate change and mounting costs.
The 24th Games have started in Beijing and like previous versions over the past 12 years, there is a heavy reliance on fake snow.
Glaciers across the globe are melting and mountains are losing their powdery stuff due to rising temperatures.
And former ski jumper Edwards — one of the most famous names in British sport — reckons organisers may have to adapt quickly.
Edwards, 58, told SunSport: “In the future there will be global warming and that will cause a lot of headaches.
“Will we have a Winter Olympics in the future if we don’t have any snow?
“Ski jumping is OK as it can be as good a summer sport as a winter sport on the dry slopes. We used to jump more in the summer than winter.
“But when it comes to the slalom or giant slalom, are we going to be able to do that without snow?
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“They have moved on in leaps and bounds in making the snow-making machines very energy efficient.
“But it’s still using power and electricity to produce snow, which is bad for the environment. I often wonder, will the Winter Olympics still be around?”
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Edwards said: “I don’t know how much Beijing has paid to host the Olympics but they are one of the richest countries in the world.
“They can afford it. But how many other countries can afford to spend between ten and 20, maybe £25billion for a sporting competition?
“The Olympics have become too big. More and more countries are saying they can’t afford to host an Olympics, summer or winter. That’s going to be a big problem in the future as well.”
It was in Calgary 34 years ago that Edwards soared like an Eagle when finishing in last place in both the 70m and 80m ski jump events.
Some were disparaging about his feats, saying he did not deserve to be at the Olympics.
But Edwards says his story — which was made into a blockbuster film in 2016 — was about “resilience, tenacity and never giving up”.
He said: “It’s been a long time since I took part. I’m amazed people are still interested in me!
“The film really captured the heart, spirit and essence of my story and there’s a nice balance of humour and drama and inspiration.
“My story can relate to anything — sport, business, academia, school, kids. If you have a dream, you can achieve most things.
“Some said I was a flop for coming last. But no matter where you’re ranked, you should have the right to represent your country in your sport at the Olympics. It’s all about the journey. It’s not necessarily about winning gold.”
These days Edwards still does plastering in Gloucestershire but only for select clients and friends.
In the diary are motivational talks for corporate companies and he plans to continue ski jumping when he is 60.
Edwards said: “I was due to go ski jumping last July in Finland but because of Covid I couldn’t go. I’m hoping to go to Switzerland, France and Austria soon.
“The last time I jumped was four or five years ago in Courchevel. I went on the 90m, which was quite good fun.
“Who knows? I might decide to spend two months in Finland and see where it goes. A comeback would be a funny story! I’ve had an amazing 35 years. I’m hoping the next 35 will be just as exciting.”