A poll of 2,000 adults found that just over a quarter of adults (26%) believe they are likely to beat a professional in their chosen sport if given the chance. With professional coaching and a strict training regime, nearly four in 10 (38%) men would also feel confident they could hit the entry criteria for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Football and tennis top choices
It was found 17% felt they would have the best chance of being competitive in football, and 11% thought tennis would be their best option. A further 13% of men reckon they could run 100 metres in less than 15 seconds, despite 20% never actually giving it a go.
However, nearly half (45%) of all adults felt the toughest sport to master would be gymnastics and for exactly a third, diving.
Olympic inspiration and confidence
Nearly a quarter of those polled (24%) have been motivated to take up or resume doing a sport after watching the Olympics.
Eurig Druce, managing director at Vauxhall, which commissioned the research to mark its partnership with Team GB, said: “With more than a quarter of adults believing they could qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games given enough time, it's clear we’re a nation with considerable sporting ambition.
“Of course, confidence alone is not enough, as the level of dedication, training and talent showcased by Team GB’s athletes proves.”
The study also found Brits reckon they could cycle 200 metres in 24 seconds from a rolling start as 6% would back themselves to be competitive in cycling - although this still falls considerably short of the Olympic record of 9.088 seconds.
Self-assessment and driving confidence
When it comes to their athletic ability, 38% of men reckon they are better than the average person, whereas nearly half (49%) of women believe they are worse than average.
A third of adults (33%) think confidence is more important than ability when striving for sporting success, with nearly a quarter (24%) describing themselves as ‘quietly confident’ about their athletic ability.
The OnePoll.com study found more than two-thirds (67%) believe a competitive nature makes them perform better.
However, not all Brits like to shout about their talent. Just 28% would be likely to admit it if they thought they were better than others at something.
It emerged that confidence in their own ability doesn’t just stop at sports, as 39% reckon they are better than the average driver behind the wheel, rising to almost half (49%) of men.
Nearly a quarter (23%) have faith in their ability to outperform a professional rally driver.
Vauxhall returned to motorsport in the ADAC GSE Rally Cup, with young British driver Ioan Lloyd behind the wheel of the electric Mokka GSE Rally.
Eurig Druce added: “It's inspiring to see the confidence people have in their own potential - even if it may be blind faith - and the enthusiasm generated by one of the world's greatest sporting events.
“That same spirit is something we see in Team GB, and one Vauxhall is proud to support through our partnership.”
