Eddie the Eagle launches Winter Olympic highlights series during Milano-Cortina 2026

Olympic legend Eddie The Eagle is soaring back into the spotlight today with a surprising new venture. The British ski jumper just announced an exclusive Winter Olympic highlights series with digital magazine platform Readly, mixing his iconic 1988 Calgary performance with cutting-edge coverage from Milano-Cortina 2026. Here’s what fans need to know about this historic partnership.

Legend Returns: Eddie The Eagle’s New Chapter

Michael Edwards, known worldwide as Eddie The Eagle, made history in 1988 at the Calgary Winter Olympics. The British ski jumper became the first competitor representing Great Britain in Olympic ski jumping. Today, nearly 38 years later, he’s bringing his legendary story to digital audiences through Readly‘s exclusive series.

Edwards said in a statement: “It’s fantastic to see that people remember and appreciate my efforts.” The Winter Olympics remains fascinating to follow, with unexpected moments creating unforgettable memories. His partnership celebrates both sporting achievement and the human spirit that defines Olympic competition.

What British Audiences Love Most About Winter Olympics

British viewers show overwhelming enthusiasm for specific Winter Olympic events. Figure skating leads with 36% interest, followed closely by ski jumping at 32% and bobsleigh at 29%. These preferences reveal what captures national attention during the Winter Games. The most beloved Olympic moments span decades, from iconic performances to unexpected underdog stories.

Torvill and Dean’s 1984 Sarajevo gold performance ranks as Britain’s #1 Winter Olympic memory with 44% support. The Jamaican bobsleigh team’s 1988 Calgary run takes second place at 28%. Eddie The Eagle’s 1988 ski jumping attempt captures third place with 27% of votes, proving his lasting cultural impact on British sports audiences.

Readly’s Historic First Olympic Series

Readly, Europe’s digital magazine and newspaper leader, announced this marks its first-ever Olympic series. The platform boasts 8,000+ titles across 50 countries in 17 languages. Subscribers gain unlimited access to archived Olympic coverage alongside cutting-edge Milano-Cortina 2026 features. Chloe Rushmere, Head of Content UK at Readly, stated the collection offers “unrivalled access” to Winter Olympic history.

Feature	Details
Platform	Readly digital app with 8,000+ titles
Coverage Range	1980s archival footage to 2026 live content
Featured Content	Eddie’s Calgary jump, Torvill and Dean, current athletes
Subscriber Access	Unlimited magazines and newspapers included

“It’s fantastic to see that people remember and appreciate my efforts in Calgary over thirty years ago. The Winter Olympics is fascinating to follow, you never quite know what’s going to happen and it’s great to look back on some of these entertaining moments that create a spectacle and grip the nation for years to come.”

— Eddie Edwards, Olympic ski jumper and legend

Why This Moment Matters During Milano-Cortina 2026

The Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Games continue through February 22, with nearly 30 million Brits tuning in for medal moments and viral storylines. Eddie The Eagle’s new series arrives at peak Olympic fever. His presence reminds audiences that Olympic history matters as much as current competition. The partnership celebrates perseverance, courage, and the joy of daring to dream big, values that transcend athletic performance.

For Readly subscribers, the series offers deep dives into Olympic culture beyond scores and medals. Content spans skiing destinations, fashion, fitness, and athlete personalities shaping the season. The archival journey from 1988 Calgary to 2026 Milan shows how Winter Olympics evolve while maintaining their romantic appeal.

Will This Inspire a New Generation to Follow Winter Sports?

Olympic research reveals why audiences are gripped by the Winter Games. Top reasons include superhuman sporting prowess (37% of viewers), supporting national teams (20%), escaping winter blues (20%), and seeking uplifting news (18%). Eddie The Eagle embodies all these elements. His comeback reflects a timeless appeal of underdog narratives in sports media.

The Eddie The Eagle rule, imposed in 1990, required ski jumpers to rank in the top 50 worldwide or top 30% in international events. This regulatory response to his popularity shows his cultural footprint. Will Readly’s series inspire new winter sports enthusiasts to embrace both champions and stories like Eddie’s?

Sources

• Readly Official Press Release – Eddie The Eagle launches Winter Olympic highlights series announcement, February 9, 2026
• Cision News – Coverage of Eddie Edwards partnership with Readly for Winter Olympics highlights
• Wikipedia and Olympics.com – Eddie the Eagle historical data, 1988 Calgary performance details