Eddie The Eagle heads for 'Peg By Jason Halstead, WINNIPEG SUN

Eddie The Eagle is set to soar into Winnipeg.

Eddie 'The Eagle' Edwards, the unlikely Olympic hero who ski-jumped to eccentric fame at the Calgary winter games in 1988, will run with the Olympic torch here Thursday.

Twenty-two years ago, Edwards, who worked as a plasterer in his native England, became the first United Kingdom citizen to qualify for the Olympic Winter Games in ski jumping. Edwards's unlikely road to the games – including training with oversized, borrowed equipment, his poor eyesight and lack of funding – endeared him to many and made him a cult hero at the games. He finished in last place in both the big and normal hill ski jump competitions at the 1988 games and never qualified again.

Edwards will act as an international torchbearer this week in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay as it comes through Winnipeg.

“I hope I don't drop the torch – or trip over it!” Edwards said of his participation.

After taking part in the relay, Edwards will skate at The Forks and try his hand curling at the Granite Curling Club.