A quarter of sports fans reckon they could score a goal in a Premier League fixture, while one in 10 claim they could last a round in the ring with a professional boxer. A poll of 2,000 adults who follow sport found that numerous individuals are convinced they could compete alongside some of the globe's finest athletes.
Confidence across multiple sports
One in seven (14%) believe they could rival a professional golfer over one hole, while 22% are certain they could beat them at crazy golf, and 18% reckon they could return a serve from an elite tennis player. Some 14% consider they could complete a lap of a Formula 1 circuit without finishing last, while another 14% reckon they could complete a stage of the Tour de France.
'Armchair expert' phenomenon
The research was commissioned by Staysure, ahead of the Staysture Legends Tour. Corin Rogerson, director of sponsorship for the insurer, said: "Pro sport isn't as easy as people seemingly think it could be, but these findings show just how confident many fans are when watching from the sofa or the stands."
"It can seem easy when spectating, but in reality, elite athletes dedicate years to perfecting their craft, building the physical fitness, mental resilience and technical skill needed to compete at the very top. It is easy to underestimate just how difficult these sports are until you are faced with the speed, pressure and precision involved. That is what makes watching the professionals do what they do so impressive."
Individuals who reckon they could compete against a professional athlete frequently overestimate their capabilities, or assume the sport looks simpler than it genuinely is. Nevertheless, more than half (56%) also attribute this to people undervaluing precisely how talented professional athletes truly are. Eight in ten suggest that viewing professional sport can transform spectators into 'armchair experts' who underestimate the challenge of competing at that standard.
Golf as a special case
Regarding golf particularly, 38% reckon an amateur could stand a fighting chance against a professional, crediting it to the possibility of one fortunate shot (52%), and the reality that even pros make errors (51%). The study, carried out through OnePoll, showed that 82% find stories of amateurs and underdogs succeeding in sport motivating, and 42% would be keen to witness a novice challenge a pro golfer in a direct contest.
Corin Rogerson for Staysure commented: "As a nation, many of us are clearly willing to back ourselves when it comes to taking on the professionals, whether that is stepping onto a golf course, returning a serve, or lasting in the ring. It was a fun reminder of the confidence many sports fans have."
