Eddie The Eagle to carry games torch

Former ski-jumper Eddie 'The Eagle' Edwards has said he "quite enjoys" having been picked to carry the Olympic torch on its relay around Canada to Vancouver for the Winter Games due to start on February 12.

The ski-jumper from Cheltenham shot to fame more than 20 years ago when he finished last in the event at the Calgary Winter Games in 1988. Eddie, who will carry the Olympic flame in Winnipeg on January 7, said: "I'm sure some people will think, 'Oh, no, not him again'." "But I quite enjoy that. I'm a thorn in their side and I enjoy just giving it another prod. They slammed the door in my face and said, 'We don't want you. Go away'. But I'm still here."

The British Columbia Tourist Board, who picked him up for the event, will sponsor for his trip. Eddie said: "They came directly to me, rather than go through the BOA. The people in British skiing didn't want me 20 years ago and they don't want me now.'