A working-class Englishman with poor eyesight and little natural talent pursues his lifelong dream of competing in the Olympic Games, eventually setting his sights on ski jumping despite having no experience in the sport. After relocating to train in Europe, he enlists the reluctant help of a hard-drinking former ski jumper to coach him. Though he finishes last at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics, his sheer determination and underdog spirit capture the hearts of spectators around the world.