With less than a month to go before the start of the Paris Olympics, new research has shown as many as one in six Australians dreamed of becoming an Olympian themselves as children.
And while the majority of those who dreamt of competing in the Olympics gave up because they didn’t believe they were good enough (53 per cent), half of those who held this dream still play that same sport today (50 per cent).
This latest national research from ASICS, the partner of the Australian Olympic team, was conducted with a representative study of over 1,000 Australian adults. As part of their national campaign as well, ASICS is encouraging all Australians to ‘lace up’, engage in sport and get behind the Australian Olympic team.
“I always say that the hard work doesn’t stop once you’re on the team. You get into the squad and end up working harder to get into the team, and then working harder to keep your spot in that team,” said Australian rugby union player, Teagan Levi at a recent ASICS event, marking the 30-day countdown to the Paris 2024 Games.
“Everytime I lace up, I flick a switch every time and keep trying to be the best version of myself each and every day. As soon as I put those boots on, I know that there’s a job that needs to be done to make myself a better person.”
Teagan Levi, along with her sister Maddie, is getting ready to represent Australia in her first Olympics, calling the experience “surreal” and “a pinch me moment” feeling.
“I can’t wait to get out there. We’ve done all the hard work before we get over there, so hopefully we can get a gold medal and bring it home.”
Watching athletes such as the Levi sisters compete in the Olympic Games has long-lasting impacts on encouraging everyday Australians to get moving in their daily life or pick up a new sport.
The research findings have also shown that two-thirds of respondents have been motivated to try a new sport after watching the Olympics. And more than a quarter stated that beyond the initial inspiration, they have continued with their chosen sport for at least two years after taking it up.
Also at the ASICS event was break dancer Rachael Gunn, who will be heading to Paris to compete in the inaugural Olympic breaking competition.
Gunn spoke to the power of trying new sports and how this can support people to stay motivated, saying: “I think being open to new sports, different sports, is really really important.”
“Try different things, be open to it, put in that hard work and also be patient because this stuff takes a really long time. You’ve just gotta grind through and the rewards are totally worth it.”