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Eddie the Eagle (2016) movie poster

Timeline

Eddie the Eagle (2016) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
2016 · 106 min · English
Directed by
Dexter Fletcher
Starring
Hugh Jackman, Taron Egerton
Budget
$23M

Driven by unwavering determination, Michael "Eddie" Edwards pursues his dream of becoming an Olympic ski jumper, despite facing numerous obstacles and lacking traditional support. Teaming up with an unconventional coach, Eddie's inspiring journey culminates at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. His courageous spirit and perseverance captivate a nation as he competes against formidable athletes, proving that anything is possible with dedication and belief.

On this page (6)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Events in order (15)
  3. 3 Timeline questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Movies like Eddie the Eagle
  6. 6 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Eddie the Eagle (2016)

Where can you watch Eddie the Eagle? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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15 events in order · contains spoilers

Eddie the Eagle Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of Eddie the Eagle (2016) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. Eddie's Ambitious Dream

    As the year 1973 begins, ten-year-old Michael 'Eddie' Edwards dreams of Olympic glory despite his walking difficulties. His mother provides unwavering support, while his father's skepticism casts doubt on his aspirations.

    When
    1973
  2. Teenage Rejections

    As Eddie grows older and transitions into his teenage years, he faces rejection after rejection while trying to make the Olympic team. Undeterred, he continues to dream big, holding onto the idea of one day competing in the Summer Games.

  3. Pivoting to Skiing

    After encountering multiple obstacles in athletics, Eddie decides to switch to skiing, yet is met with disdain from British Olympic officials due to his unrefined techniques. Despite their lack of support, he remains motivated to compete.

    Where
    British Olympic officials' office
  4. A Shift to Ski Jumping

    In a final effort to compete in the Winter Games, Eddie sets his sights on ski jumping, a sport with no British entrants for over sixty years. This decision reveals his determination to overcome the odds and pursue his Olympic dream.

    Where
    Garmisch-Partenkirchen, West Germany
  5. Facing Disdain

    Upon arriving at a training facility for ski jumpers, Eddie encounters seasoned athletes who regard him with contempt. His incessant enthusiasm and unwillingness to give up eventually allow him to break through their initial disdain.

    Where
    Training facility
  6. Self-Training and Injury

    Eddie commits to self-training and initially excels on the 15-meter hill, but suffers a severe injury during his first attempt on the 40-meter slope. This setback proves challenging, yet it strengthens his resolve to continue.

  7. Mentor Connection

    Eddie meets Bronson Peary, a former ski jumper who faced similar setbacks in his career. Their shared status as outsiders fosters a unique bond, motivating Eddie to push his limits and learn from Bronson's experience.

  8. Unique Training Methods

    With help from Petra, a local café owner, Eddie adopts unconventional training techniques alongside Bronson. Their adaptations lead Eddie to achieve significant milestones, including successfully completing the daunting 40-meter jump.

    Where
    Local cafe and training hill
  9. Achieving Olympic Qualification

    Eddie's hard work pays off as he qualifies for the British Olympic Team tenaciously, only for officials to raise the qualification threshold to an intimidating 61 meters. Despite this, he commits to improving his performance.

  10. Setback and Validation

    After a heartbreaking disqualification during a critical qualifying event, Eddie receives a letter confirming his practice jump is valid. Coach Bronson urges Eddie to delay his Olympic ambitions for another four years.

  11. Calgary Olympic Games

    Eddie arrives at the Calgary Winter Games, facing ridicule from his teammates, who even sabotage his participation in the opening ceremonies. This external pressure intensifies but does not deter his spirit.

    Where
    Calgary
  12. Setting a Record

    During the 70-meter jump, Eddie disappointingly lands at 60.5 meters, just short of the goal, yet he breaks the British record. His jubilant celebration captures the crowd's heart, earning him the affectionate nickname 'Eddie the Eagle.'

    Where
    Calgary
  13. Final Challenge

    Determined to prove his commitment, Eddie takes on the 90-meter jump. With support from Bronson and a memorable encounter on the lift with a famous jumper, he accomplishes a jump of 71.5 meters, which resonates with the audience.

    Where
    Calgary
  14. Acceptance and Celebration

    Despite initial resistance, British Olympic officials begrudgingly accept Eddie's performances, leading to a reconciliation between Bronson and his former mentor. Eddie returns home hailed as a national hero, surrounded by adoring fans.

    Where
    Airport
  15. National Hero

    At the airport, Eddie is welcomed by enthusiastic supporters and his proud parents clad in matching jumpers stating 'I'm Eddie's dad.' His journey from ridicule to heroism embodies the spirit of perseverance.

    Where
    Airport

Last updated: November 22, 2024 at 18:17

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Timeline questions answered

Eddie the Eagle Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of Eddie the Eagle (2016): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

Why did British Olympic officials raise the ski jumping qualification distance to 61 metres?

British officials raised the qualification threshold from 40 metres to 61 metres specifically to prevent Eddie from competing. They believed Eddie's participation would embarrass Britain and viewed his unorthodox approach as a threat to the sport's standards. The sudden increase was a deliberate obstacle designed to stop him from qualifying for the Calgary Games.

  • british olympic officials
  • qualification
  • 61 metres
  • eddie the eagle
Q2

How did Eddie qualify for the Olympics after being disqualified?

Eddie was disqualified during his official qualifying attempt after landing short of the required distance. However, the officials later confirmed that his earlier practice jump of exactly 61 metres was valid, which meant he had technically met the qualification standard. This unexpected validation allowed him to compete in the Calgary Games.

Foreshadowing: The film earlier showed Eddie nailing a 61-meter leap during practice, which becomes significant later.

  • disqualification
  • qualification
  • 61 metres
  • practice jump
Q3

Why did Bronson Peary agree to coach Eddie?

Bronson saw himself in Eddie, both were outsiders who had been dismissed by the established ski jumping community. Eddie's unwavering determination and refusal to give up despite constant rejection reminded Bronson of his own abandoned Olympic dreams. Their shared status as underdogs created a personal connection that motivated Bronson to help Eddie achieve what he himself could not.

  • bronson peary
  • coach
  • mentor
  • outsider
Q4

Why did Eddie choose ski jumping when no British athlete had competed in it for decades?

Eddie needed to find a sport where he could actually qualify for the Olympics. Since ski jumping had no British competitors for over sixty years, there was no existing standard or competition for the UK team. This meant Eddie only needed to meet basic qualification times rather than compete against established British athletes, making it his most realistic path to Olympic competition.

  • ski jumping
  • british athlete
  • olympics
  • qualification
Q5

Why did Eddie's British teammates get him drunk before the opening ceremonies?

Eddie's teammates mocked and resented him because they viewed him as an embarrassment to the British team. They exploited his naivety and lack of experience with alcohol by getting him drunk, causing him to sleep through the opening ceremonies. This was meant to further isolate him and undermine his Olympic experience.

  • teammates
  • opening ceremonies
  • drunk
  • calgary
Q6

Why did Eddie attempt the 90-meter jump when he had already qualified?

Eddie chose to attempt the 90-meter jump to demonstrate his genuine commitment to ski jumping, not just to qualify. After Bronson scolded him for being too carefree, Eddie wanted to prove he took the sport seriously. Additionally, he wanted to honor the spirit of the Olympics by challenging himself against the best jumpers, regardless of the outcome.

  • 90 meter jump
  • calgary
  • commitment
  • challenge
Q7

How did Bronson Peary reconcile with Warren Sharp?

Warren Sharp, Bronson's former mentor whom he had a falling out with, witnessed Eddie's inspiring journey and performance at the Calgary Games. The documentary shows Sharp watching the competitions and eventually reconciling with Bronson. Eddie's perseverance and success reminded Sharp of the pure love of sport, leading to their reconciliation.

  • warren sharp
  • bronson peary
  • reconciliation
  • mentor
Q8

What advice did Matti Nykänen give Eddie before his final jump?

During the lift ride to the top of the 90-meter hill, legendary Finnish ski jumper Matti Nykänen encouraged Eddie to believe in himself and trust his abilities. This brief but meaningful conversation with his childhood idol gave Eddie the confidence to attempt the jump, which he completed successfully despite it being far beyond his previous performance levels.

  • matti nykanen
  • flying finn
  • advice
  • 90 meter jump
Q9

Why did the audience cheer for Eddie even though he finished last?

The crowd loved Eddie's authentic joy and celebration after his jumps. Despite finishing last, his exuberant personality, underdog story, and genuine love for the sport resonated with spectators. His cheerful demeanor in the face of failure embodied the Olympic spirit, making him a crowd favorite even among elite athletes.

  • crowd
  • celebration
  • last place
  • audience
  • eddie the eagle
Q10

Why did Eddie's father doubt his Olympic dreams?

Eddie’s father was skeptical because he worried about his son's physical limitations and the unrealistic nature of becoming an Olympic athlete. Having a medical condition that affected Eddie's walking made his father fear that pursuing such dangerous sports would cause further harm. His doubt came from a place of concern rather than lack of faith in Eddie's determination.

  • father
  • doubt
  • support
  • medical condition

Movie threads

More Movies Like Eddie the Eagle, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Eddie the Eagle tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Movies with an unconventional coach and unlikely hero like Eddie the Eagle

Where a quirky outsider finds success with a reluctant or unconventional mentor. If you enjoyed the dynamic between Eddie and his coach, you'll like these movies about quirky underdogs and their unconventional mentors. Discover similar feel-good stories of unlikely heroes achieving their dreams through unique coaching and unwavering determination, just like in Eddie the Eagle.

  • underdog
  • feel-good
  • quirky
  • determined
  • inspiring
  • unconventional
  • Tone: hopeful, quirky
  • Pacing: steady, character-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: This thread follows a familiar and satisfying arc: an individual with immense passion but little conventional talent meets a seasoned, often cynical expert. Through a blend of unorthodox training and growing mutual respect, they overcome skepticism and obstacles to prove that heart and spirit can triumph.

Why they belong together: These movies are grouped by their focus on the powerful mentor-student relationship and the theme of achieving greatness through non-traditional paths. They share a hopeful tone, comedic elements, and a core message that celebrates perseverance and individuality over raw talent.

True underdog triumph stories like Eddie the Eagle

Inspiring true stories about pure determination overcoming overwhelming odds. Find more movies like Eddie the Eagle that celebrate the triumph of tenacious underdogs. These inspiring true stories feature protagonists who overcome massive obstacles through sheer determination, capturing hearts with their uplifting journeys and celebratory endings.

  • uplifting
  • determined
  • tenacious
  • inspiring
  • optimistic
  • feel-good
  • Tone: uplifting, hopeful
  • Pacing: steady, inspiring
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Narratives in this thread are typically linear and straightforward, charting a protagonist's journey from obscurity and ridicule to a moment of global recognition. The conflict is not against a villain, but against systemic doubt, physical limitations, and the sheer scale of the challenge itself. The emotional payoff comes from witnessing genuine perseverance rewarded with personal validation.

Why they belong together: These films are connected by their core DNA: they are uplifting, fact-based dramas where the central theme is the power of an indomitable spirit. They mix medium emotional weight with a steady, hopeful pace, resulting in a genuinely happy and satisfying conclusion that honors the real-life hero's journey.

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Movies Like Eddie the Eagle

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Every angle

Eddie the Eagle (2016) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

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