Born Michael Edwards, Eddie was destined to carry on the family business and become a plaster. But at the age of 13, a school ski trip changed all that.

He got the skiing bug and as soon as he was old enough, travelled to Europe where he was a ski instructor and competed internationally in Alpine Skiing. He decided to have a go at ski jumping and in 1988 he represented Great Britain in the Calgary Winter Olympics.

He became Britain’s first and only Olympic ski jumper and was fondly re-christened "Eddie the Eagle". As a guy who came 58th he got more publicity than the gold medal winner and Eddie's heroic Olympic efforts thrust him into the limelight. He had a top 50 chart hit with "Fly Eddie Fly" and a number two hit in Finland.

More recently, after taking time out to study he has returned to the family business of plastering.

"WorldSkills London 2011 integrates trades and sport – bringing together people from around the world to compete to be the best in their chosen skill. It’s fantastic because it raises awareness of these important skills, celebrates the people that work in them and encourages people to Have a Go and take up these worthwhile professions!"