The trailer for the new movie “Eddie the Eagle,” based on the life of British ski jumper Michael “Eddie” Edwards, makes it look like a completely un-athletic kid stumbled his way to the Olympics.
Edwards’ transition to ski jumping, however, was not as dramatic as that clip would make it seem. In reality, he narrowly missed making Great Britain’s downhill skiing team for the 1984 Olympics, so becoming a competitive ski jumper by 1988 wasn’t that big a leap.
We would never suggest qualifying for the Olympics requires anything less than a mammoth, life-altering commitment. That said, if you’re determined to reach the Games (and perhaps finish last in your events like Edwards did), these five sports might be for you.
BOBSLED
No, not because the Jamaicans have a team, although “Cool Runnings” is a fun movie. This makes the list because if you’re a powerful runner, bobsled drivers need you to push the sled, jump in and shift your weight at the right time. A number of athletes, including Chicago’s Aja Evans, have used their backgrounds in track and field to transition into the Winter Games. Evans even won a bronze medal at the 2014 Sochi Olympics.
Just for fun: North American venues that have hosted the Winter Olympics (Calgary, Lake Placid, Vancouver) offer the public a chance to ride in a bobsled.
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CURLING
Basically bocce ball on ice. As long as you can keep up with the stones as they slide down the playing surface and sweep like crazy, you might have a shot at the big time.
Just for fun: Kaiser Tiger in the West Loop features curling in the winter.
SAILING
Think you need to live near an ocean to make an Olympic sailing team? Think again. Chicago native Bob Willis finished 22nd in the windsurfing RSX competition in London in 2012 after training mostly on Lake Michigan.
Just for fun: A number of local organizations offer sailing lessons (when the lake’s not frozen, of course), including Sail Chicago and the Chicago Yacht Club.
SHOOTING
This sport comes recommended if only because the average age of Olympians in this event is older than most. According to The Guardian, the mean age of shooting competitors in the 2012 Olympics was 31.4 years. The American team even featured a 46-year-old in those Games.
Just for fun: There are a handful of rifle ranges in the suburbs and surrounding area where you can work on your marksmanship.
TABLE TENNIS
No American has ever medaled in table tennis at the Olympics. Chances are it won’t happen anytime soon, either. The good news is it is a sport you’ve probably tried that requires little in the way of equipment.
Just for fun: Beyond your neighborhood bar or your family’s basement, ping pong in Chicago is booming. The city recently became home to a Killerspin House, with a Spin location opening in March and Bounce debuting later this year.
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