How did you maintain such a positive mindset when faced with challenges and financial difficulties?
George, location not given
Having a passion for the sport, I loved the moment. The moment I put on a pair of skis, I loved it and I still love it to this day. Without that passion for the sport, I don’t think I would have gone through anything like I went through. I wouldn’t have had that resilience, such an attitude, that determination, that never giving up.
Overriding all that was just the love of skiing, from the moment I put a pair of skis on. I still love it to this day. That’s the main reason why I did it.
If it couldn’t be ski jumping, which Winter Olympic sport would you have a go at?
Adam, South West
If it wasn’t ski jumping, I would have loved to have actually gone as a downhill racer and slalom skier, which is what I trained for beforehand.
But now if I had my chance again, I would probably do ski cross, where four skiers race each other down a course and over jumps, because I’m very comfortable flying through the air. That would have suited me down to the ground.
How much do you think your journey played a part in encouraging others to take up winter sports in the UK?
Elizabeth, East of England
Because I’d only been jumping for 20 months when I went to Calgary, I’m hoping that people would have realised that, for me, getting there was my gold medal. It’s lovely that my efforts at Calgary hopefully will have inspired lots of people, not only at the Olympic Games in Calgary 38 years ago, but with the movie that they brought out 10 years ago.
Do you have any regrets in your career?
Elizabeth, West Midlands
If I could live the last 62 years all over again, I would do exactly the same. I just hope that the next 62 years are going to be as fun and as exciting as the last 62 years.
What would you tell your 11-year-old self?
Mary-Grace, East of England
Hold on tight. It’s going to be one hell of a ride, but you’ll get there in the end. I would say, ‘just get out there and do it, no matter how many people tell you you can’t do it. Get out there and prove them wrong.’
Where’s the best place to start ski jumping as a novice?
Susan, Yorkshire
That’s very difficult. There are lots of places in Finland. A place called Rovaniemi, which is right up in the Arctic Circle.
There are lots of places in Norway, too; you can go to Trondheim or Lillehammer. The nearest place to the UK is probably Courchevel in France. They’ve got a 15, a 30 and a 60-metre ski jump there.
Beyond the Olympics, what do you consider to be your biggest achievement in life or your career so far?
Sheila, South East
Having children was wonderful, and seeing them grow up, that’s a great achievement. They’re more or less well-rounded individuals, I think. Which is a good job nowadays.
And I did a law degree, which was great fun. I’m still doing stuff off the back of Calgary 38 years ago, and I’m still talking about it. It’s brought an income for me, which has been amazing. And I’ve travelled all over the world and done amazing things.
What is your next big challenge? Do you still get out on the slopes for a ski just for the pure joy of it?
Lucas, London
I still go out and ski as much as I can, whenever I get a chance. When I’m not busy working.
I’m going to Switzerland in September, so I’m hoping to get my jumping skis back on. That’s another big challenge. Hopefully I can get back to doing a bit of ski jumping again.
There’s nothing major happening at the moment, but I’m always ready in case I get asked to do something weird and wacky and wonderful. I’ll be straight in there with both feet.
