Nearly four in 10 men believe they could qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles if they received professional coaching and followed a strict training regime, according to a poll of 2,000 adults.
Just over a quarter of adults (26%) also think they are likely to beat a professional in their chosen sport if given the chance. The research, commissioned by Vauxhall to mark its partnership with Team GB, found 17% felt they would have the best chance of being competitive in football, while 11% thought tennis was their best option.
Running and cycling ambitions
A further 13% of men reckon they could run 100 metres in less than 15 seconds, despite 20% never having attempted it. When it comes to cycling, 6% would back themselves to be competitive, with Brits estimating they could cycle 200 metres in 24 seconds from a rolling start — though this falls short of the Olympic record of 9.088 seconds.
On the flip side, nearly half (45%) of all adults felt gymnastics would be the toughest sport to master, followed by diving for 33%.
Motivation from the Olympics
Nearly a quarter of those polled (24%) have been motivated to take up or resume a sport after watching the Olympics. Eurig Druce, managing director at Vauxhall, 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.”
Confidence beyond sports
When it comes to general sporting 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 in achieving sporting success, with 24% describing themselves as ‘quietly confident’ about their athletic ability.
The OnePoll.com study found 67% believe a competitive nature makes them perform better. However, just 28% would be likely to admit in public if they thought they were better than others at something.
Confidence also extends to driving: 39% reckon they are better than the average driver, rising to almost half (49%) of men. Nearly a quarter (23%) have faith in their ability to outdo a professional rally driver.
Vauxhall returned to motorsport this year in the ADAC GSE Rally Cup, with young British driver Ioan Lloyd behind the wheel of the electric Mokka GSE Rally. 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.”
