Ski jumping is just 10 per cent physical, 90 per cent mental. Some people can't do that. It's not just to do with the fear at the top. It takes a lot of guts to go off the top, but it takes 100 times more courage to jump off the end.

In this quote, Eddie the Eagle emphasizes that ski jumping is not primarily about physical ability, but rather about mental strength. He argues that while physical preparation is important, it is the mindset that plays a much larger role in succeeding at this sport. The challenge is not just the fear of starting the jump, but the courage required to push through that fear and commit fully to the jump. According to Eddie, it takes significant mental strength to follow through and execute the jump once you're already in motion.

Eddie’s perspective on courage highlights the difference between initial fear and the sustained bravery needed to complete the jump. The fear at the top of the ski ramp is a momentary feeling, but the true test comes at the end, when a person must trust their training, face their anxieties, and make the leap despite the uncertainty. It is at this point, according to Eddie, that true guts and courage are revealed—overcoming the mental barriers that arise during the jump, rather than just dealing with the initial rush of fear at the beginning.

The origin of this quote comes from Eddie the Eagle, the British ski jumper who became a symbol of perseverance and determination during the 1988 Winter Olympics. Despite having limited resources and little experience compared to other competitors, Eddie became a popular figure for his courage and mental resilience. His journey as an underdog in the world of competitive skiing exemplifies the idea that courage is as much about the mental challenges as it is about physical ability.

Ultimately, Eddie’s quote teaches that mental toughness is the key to overcoming challenges, particularly those that involve fear and uncertainty. While physical preparation is crucial in many sports, courage and the ability to push past psychological barriers are what ultimately allow individuals to succeed, especially in high-stakes situations like ski jumping. Eddie the Eagle’s words remind us that the mindset we bring to difficult tasks often determines our ability to overcome them.