Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards has revealed the forthcoming film about his life is only 10 percent accurate.
The 51-year-old retired athlete – who achieved worldwide fame in 1988 when he became the first competitor to represent Great Britain in Olympic ski jumping – is the subject of a new movie starring Welsh actor Taron Egerton, but has revealed the film is largely made up.
He said: "I’ve been warned only 10 to 15 percent of it is based on my life."
Eddie – who finished last in both the 70 metre and 90 metre events at the Calgary Winter Olympics – admitted to being "anxious" ahead of the movie’s release, which is scheduled for next year.
Eddie, whose real first name is Michael, told BBC News: "I’ve not really seen the script so I don’t know what they’ve picked out of the things that happened in my life and what is made up.
"There’s always a certain amount of it [poetic licence] but I’m kind of anxious – what exactly have they put in about my life and how have they portrayed me."
As well as starring Taron Egerton, the movie will feature Hollywood star Hugh Jackman as ski expert Chuck Berghorn, who’s Eddie’s mentor.
Eddie Edwards movie ‘is only 10 percent accurate’
