Eddie the Eagle to light 2012 Olympic torch?
A PETITION has been started in a bid to get Gloucestershire legend Eddie the Eagle Edwards to light the London 2012 Olympic torch after flying out of a cannon wearing skis.
The campaign was kick started by TV and radio presenter George Lamb, on his BBC Radio 6 show.
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Eddie 'The Eagle' Edwards
In the Calgary winter Olympics in 1988, Eddie Edwards sealed his name in history by finishing in 58th position out of 58 competitors in the ski jump event.
Eddie, from North Woodchester, said that if the petition took off he would be honoured to light the flame.
He said: "I think it would be a great way to open the ceremony, the whole thing is quite funny.
"Someone said that if it happens I should do it in a pair of Union Jack boxer shorts too.
"So now I'll find a cannon, a pair of boxer shorts and I'll be waiting by the phone. I'll start practising now."
Although Eddie likes to keep fit in his spare time, he admits to not being the best spectator, and adds that sport should be all about having fun.
He said: "I'm not particularly looking forward to 2012 to be honest, I won't be watching any of the events. I'm more of a doer than a watcher.
"In my opinion there should be more fun involved with sport, after all it is recreation."
When not looking after his daughters Ottilie, three, and Honey, 17 months, Eddie keeps himself busy with appearances on TV and radio shows, and when not doing that he is a builder.
He is a regular contributor to Big Brother's Little Brother presenter George's radio show and last week George reinforced his wish for Eddie to take part in 2012.
Speaking on the show he said: "The last time I checked China didn't have an Eddie the Eagle.
"We are working on this, we want to galvanise support and rally the troops, we want you in the arena on your skis."
Eddie was the first competitor to represent Great Britain in Olympic ski jumping, and still holds the British record in the event.
To add your name to the petition, visit http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/eddie-the-eagle-to-light-london-2012-olympic-torch.html
6 Comments
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by Karen, Cheltenham
Thursday, September 04 2008, 9:40PM
“At the time Eddie represented the true Olympic spirit which people seem to forget - it is the taking part which is important, not the winning. Unfortunately that was a long time ago and I think it should be lit by one of our great Olympians - Sir Steven Redgrave.”
by sandra, gloucester
Thursday, September 04 2008, 8:08AM
“Eddie was in a Winter Olympic.Games !
Fair play to him, he had a ''go'' and it was great fun , However, that was a long time ago and really not relevant for the 2012 games at all . Personally, I really don't care who lights it , but it needs to be someone from the current medal holders from this years Olympic games , or, Seb Coe himself if we are going for a retro personality ..... or draw a name out of a hat from the most famous of our athletes .
I also believe ''who lights the torch'' should be well down the list of worries when thinking of us hosting the Olympic Games !”
by Dot Chard, Cheltenham
Thursday, September 04 2008, 7:48AM
“I agree that it would be insulting to all who won medals this year. Surely our Gold medal winners should be given priority - unless those people who are suggesting him want the U.K. to be known primarily for being losers.”
by Peter, Cheltenham
Thursday, September 04 2008, 7:35AM
“To ask Eddie Edwards to light the Olympic Torch would be an insult to all the serious competitors in the games. Only present day athletes or at least a gold medal winner from the past should light the flame not a no hope joke who stole the headlines by being a clown and coming last in his event. The British Olympic selecters should not have included him in the British team and have a lot to answer for. Please, no rebuttall comments about at least having a go ;Edwards has had more than his fair share of publicity and his name should now be forgotten.”
by Paul, Cheltenham
Thursday, September 04 2008, 7:28AM
“April fools joke..?”