For most athletes winning is everything.

Phrases like "nice guys come last" and "there are no prizes for second place" underline the competitive spirit and will to win that consume most athletes.

However here in the UK we also have a soft spot for gallant losers; those sportsmen and women who put themselves forward even though they have little or no change of competitive success.

The most famous British heroic loser is undoubtedly Eddie "The Eagle" Edwards, the short-sighted plasterer who represented Britain at the 1988 Winter Olympics in the ski-jumping competition.

Eddie entered the event despite having no funding, ski boots that did not fit him, and being barely able to see the end of the jump due to his much needed glasses fogging up.

Needless to say, he finished last in every competition but won the hearts of fans all over the world for his endearing optimism and never-say-die spirit.