Former Olympian Eddie ‘the Eagle’ Edwards carries torch in Winnipeg

Eddie ‘the Eagle’ carries Olympic torch

WINNIPEG, Manitoba — Former Olympic ski jumper Eddie “the Eagle” Edwards carried the torch down the streets of Winnipeg.

The British ski jumper who gained a cult following during the 1988 Calgary Olympics — despite coming in dead last — carried the torch for several blocks in frigid weather on Thursday.

People honked their horns and shouted encouragement as Edwards passed.

Edwards says carrying the torch was “almost as good” as jumping in Calgary more than 20 years ago.

He thanked Canada for including him in the celebrations for the Vancouver Games, which start next month.