Recently I went to see the film “Eddie the Eagle” which stars Taron Egerton as Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards.

Michael Edwards, better known as Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards was a British skier who in 1988 became the first competitor to represent Great Britain in Olympic ski jumping at the Calgary Olympics. It’s a funny and heart-warming movie and charts Eddie’s dream of being an Olympian.

After reading a book at the age of 10 about Magical moments from the Olympics, Eddie developed a dream to participate at the Olympic Games. After being left out of the British skiing team, he decides to learn the very dangerous sport of ski jumping. He took part in the 70 and 90 metre jump competitions at Calgary where he finished last. He became famous as an example of an underdog and achievement without funding. His efforts and spirit were loved by the crowds at the Games.

Eddie only had a year to learn and practice before the Games. He was up against competitors who had been ski jumping for many years and in some cases before they were 10 years old.

He didn’t enter the competition thinking that he was going to win. It was enough for Eddie to qualify and fulfill his dream. He had to overcome ridicule, prejudice, a lack of money, injury and disappointment in his journey to the Olympics.

He didn’t let any of these circumstances stop him. He showed great drive, courage, perseverance and kept focused on his goal. The film mentioned a quote by the founder of the Olympic Games Pierre de Coubertin which we can all learn something from. He said “The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part; the essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well.”

When I reflected on the insights we can take from the film and Eddie’s story the following came to mind:

  • It’s never too late to pursue a goal or dream
  • If your desire is strong enough you can achieve whatever you set your mind to do
  • When you have an ambition, don’t let other people’s negativity put you off course
  • A clear sense of vision and focus help you accomplish goals
  • Courage, spirit and tenacity are magical qualities to have when you’re pursuing a dream
  • We do best what we love and feel passionate about

This week, why not take a few moments to reflect and consider if there is something you have always wanted to do, somewhere you have wanted to visit, something you’ve wanted to learn or a hobby that you have wanted to start. If so, decide what could be your first step to make it happen.

This week’s quotation:

“It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” Epictetus.

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