A poll of 2,000 adults found that with professional coaching and a strict training regime, 38% of men would feel confident they could qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Just over a quarter of adults (26%) also believe they would be likely to best a professional in their chosen sport if given the chance.
Brits back themselves in football and tennis
It was found 17% felt they would have the best chance of being competitive in football, and 11% thought tennis would be a better choice. A further 13% of men reckon they could run 100 metres in less than 15 seconds, despite one in five never actually having attempted it before.
On the flip side, 45% of all adults felt the toughest sport to master would be gymnastics and for a third, diving. After watching the Olympics, nearly a quarter of those polled (24%) have been motivated to take up or resume doing a sport.
Confidence vs. ability
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
When it comes to general sporting ability, 38% of men reckon they are better than the average person, whereas just under half (49%) of women believe they are worse than average. A third of adults (33%) say confidence is more important than ability when achieving sporting success, with 24% describing themselves as ‘quietly confident’ about their athletic skill set.
The OnePoll.com study found 67% believe a competitive nature makes them perform better. However, Brits don’t like to shout about their talents; just 28% would be likely to admit it in public 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. Just under 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. 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.”
