Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A Canadian-born 20-year-old is on course to become the first British ski jumper at the Winter Olympics since Eddie ''The Eagle'' Edwards fell to earth with a bump in Calgary in 1988.
Glynn Pedersen hails from Thunder Bay in Ontario, but his Scottish mother and Yorkshireman father mean he could be wearing British colours next year in Salt Lake City.
Before then he must secure British eligibility, a process which involves seeking permission from the Canadian Olympic Association. Several athletes made a similar switch before last year's Sydney Olympics. "My parents and extended family are all from Britain," said Pedersen. "I am very proud of my heritage and, although my introduction to ski-jumping was in Canada, I am delighted to be competing for Great Britain."
Pedersen has the talent and broke the British record by five metres in Germany this summer. He also finished seventh in a Continental Cup event in Calgary in a field that included a former world No 1.
Because he jumped as a junior for Canada, Pedersen was forced to take almost the whole of the last year off as part of the eligibility procedure. But he is now back in full competition and aims to hit the qualification standard by January. "There has been little jumping activity in Britain over the past decade and I am very keen to make my mark on the sport," he added.
Fiona McNeilly, operations director for British Ski and Snowboard, believes Pedersen has the credentials. "The BOA have tough criteria for selection which aims to ensure that athletes are likely to finish in the top 50 per cent of the field," she said. "Providing he makes this standard we would welcome him to the British team."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments