Olympic ski-jumper shares optimistic spirit with new business owners

A select group of business owners from across Staffordshire were invited to an audience with former Olympic ski-jumper, Michael 'Eddie the Eagle ' Edwards during an online event held last week.

The online event was organised by Aly Davidson, start-up advisor at the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, in the hope that Michael's story would inspire new businesses owners on their journey.

Michael Edwards shot to fame in 1988 at the Calgary Winter Olympics where he represented Great Britain in the 70 and 90 metre events, becoming the first person to do so since 1928.

Despite coming bottom place in both events, Michael became a global phenomenon due to his tenacity and 'have a go ' spirit.

Michael Edwards said: "There is nothing I like better than proving people wrong. Growing up I had middle-child syndrome. My older brother, as first born, could do no wrong and my younger sister was the daughter my mother always wanted after two boys. This meant I had to fight to get noticed.

“I was always the daredevil in my group of friends. I was the one who would climb high into a tree or shimmy up on to a neighbour 's garage roof and jump off.

“We had a ski-slope in Gloucester near to where I grew up. My love of skiing combined with my have-a-go attitude led to my ambitions to represent my country in the Winter Olympics. I remember my first ever ski jump, I ended up in someone 's garden. Rather than put me off this spurred me on. The more people said I didn 't have a chance, the more determined I became. ”

Aly Davidson said: “I 'm a positive, optimistic person and I feed off other positive people who follow their dreams, often through adversity.

"I have been in this job for a year, and I handpicked the 18 people who attended today because I knew they would all identify with Michael and draw further inspiration from his story, his determination, and his genuine love of life.

“Many are at an early stage in their new business ventures, and they are all drawing on previous life experience to follow their individual dreams.

“This was the first event of this type I have organised but it has also inspired me to put on similar events so that more of what I call my 'dream makers ' can feed off positive role-models to help achieve their goals. ”