As the 2026 Winter Olympics unfold in Milano-Cortina, the legendary spirit of the 1988 Calgary Games has returned to the spotlight. Michael “Eddie the Eagle” Edwards, the British plasterer who captured Canadian hearts nearly four decades ago, is making headlines once again—this time for his candid commentary on modern Olympic scandals and a major personal move.
Now 62, Edwards has been active on the media circuit as the world watches the current ski jumping events in Italy. He recently addressed a bizarre viral “enhancement” scandal involving claims that some athletes might be using hyaluronic acid injections to gain an aerodynamic edge. In true “Eagle” fashion, Edwards dismissed the tactic, jokingly telling The Sun and talkSPORT that he would never risk his personal life for such a minimal advantage, noting, “It’d have ruined my sex life.”
A New Chapter: Leaving the Nest
Beyond the Olympic commentary, the Gloucestershire native is preparing for a significant life change. Reports confirmed on 5 February 2026 that Edwards is selling his long-time home in Stroud. After 20 years at his current base, the “Eagle” is officially flying his Gloucestershire nest, seeking a new residence as he continues his work as an inspirational speaker and brand ambassador.
The Calgary Legacy Lives On
For Canadians, the name Eddie the Eagle remains synonymous with the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. Despite finishing last in both the 70m and 90m jumps, his perseverance turned him into a global folk hero. His story continues to resonate in 2026:
- Media Partnerships: Edwards recently partnered with British Gas to highlight resilience and preparation during the winter season, and launched a highlights series with Readly for the 30 million British fans following the 2026 Games.
- Cinematic Endurance: The 2016 biopic starring Taron Egerton and Hugh Jackman has seen a massive resurgence on streaming platforms this month, ranked by Screen Rant as one of the “10 Best Movies to Watch During the 2026 Winter Olympics.”
- The “Eddie the Eagle” Rule: His legacy remains etched in the rulebooks; following his 1988 performance, the IOC instituted stricter entry requirements (often called the “Eddie the Eagle Rule”) to ensure Olympic competitors are world-ranked.
While the athletes in Milano-Cortina chase gold with scientific precision, the enduring popularity of Eddie Edwards serves as a reminder of the “Olympic Cinderella” era. As Edwards told GB News this week, simply reaching the Calgary start gate was his “gold medal”—a sentiment that continues to define the underdog spirit of the Winter Games.