- New research from Allianz Australia reveals having someone behind you for what’s ahead is key to encouraging confidence, with 7 out of 10 Aussies (70%) leaning on friends and family to spark their confidence.
- Over the past 12 months, half of Aussies (52%) have felt uncertain about the future.
- In the lead up to Tokyo 2020, Allianz Australia’s Olympic and Paralympic ambassadors highlight the people in their lives who give them confidence in an effort to inspire all Aussies to think about the people in their lives who do the same.
Following a disruptive year across the globe, there is less than one month to go until the Olympic Games and two months until the Paralympic Games, and new research from Allianz Australia shows 4 in 5 Australians (80%) believe the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 is a significant event. The Games retain this name, even though they were postponed until 2021.
As one of the first major global events since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the research revealed the Games have the opportunity to mark the start of a ‘new beginning’ and provides a ‘chance to reset’ and feel excited about the future (47 per cent). Australians (61 per cent) also said Olympians and Paralympians inspire them to feel confident in their ability to meet their own life challenges.
This optimism comes at a time when half of Australians (52%) admit they have felt uncertain about the future over the last 12 months. According to the research, the support of friends and family (70 per cent) is key to individual confidence and in fact 65 per cent of Australians feel confident about the future thanks to our ability to adapt to challenges and changes.
In a testament to the importance of relationships, 3 in 5 Aussies (58%) who stated their confidence is affected by other people, said having someone behind them and knowing they are supported boosts their confidence. Georgia Ridler, Head Sport Psychologist to the Australian Olympic Team, agrees and says the people behind the scenes are a key contributor to our outlook and successes.
“For high performing athletes it is often the people in the background that spark their confidence, and this is no different for everyday Australians. Everyone has their own fears and vulnerabilities, but our friends, family, partners, mentors, colleagues and teammates encourage us to believe in our own abilities and have hope for the future,” Georgia said.
“Even the strongest among us can feel doubt, but when we look to our network for support, it gives us the reassurance to keep going. Identifying and acknowledging what ignites your confidence is powerful.”
For Australian swimmer and Allianz Ambassador Cate Campbell, her mum Jenny has played a key role in helping her feel a sense of confidence throughout her entire career and during the postponement of the Games.
Cate said, “My mum is always there for me. It is her support, whether it be big or small, that has reassured me that I don’t need to go it alone. Preparing for an Olympics is all-consuming but knowing that Mum is behind me gives me motivation and greater confidence when competing in such a momentous event.”
Jenny Campbell said, “The sporting world can be unpredictable and full of challenges. We have always championed Cate and her dreams, from when she was little by bringing warm towels to training, to now as an adult ensuring she knows that regardless of the result we are backing her no matter what.”
To encourage Australians to reflect on the people that spark their confidence, Allianz has launched a global movement, #SparkConfidence, motivating people around the world to acknowledge the people in their lives who have always been behind them for what’s ahead.
#SparkConfidence will launch locally today with the Allianz Australia Olympic and Paralympic ambassadors highlighting the people in their lives who have supported them throughout their career. Each ambassador – Cate Campbell, Madi de Rozario, Nic Beveridge, Owen Wright and the Australian Steelers – will be openly sharing their stories and publicly identifying the people who kept them positive, hopeful and confident over the last year and beyond.
Michael Winter, Allianz Australia’s Chief General Manager, Consumer said Allianz is proud to play a role in supporting the athletes at the upcoming Games and, together with Australians, we want them to know what they have achieved is inspiring.
“At Allianz we know and recognise that in times of uncertainty, people seek stability, trust and want to have confidence in tomorrow. Australians look to Olympians and Paralympians for inspiration. Through this movement, we want to inspire all Australians and show that even the strongest among us don’t go it alone, we have people in our corner that support us for what’s ahead. We encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on where they get their confidence from and how this drives more self-assurance for tomorrow,” Michael said.
Launched on Olympic Day, 23 June 2021, the #SparkConfidence global campaign features the stories of Allianz Olympic and Paralympic ambassadors such as Australia’s Cate Campbell (swimming) and USA’s Matt Stutzman (archery). The local campaign will also feature the stories of Allianz Australia ambassadors Madi de Rozario, Nic Beveridge, Owen Wright and the Australian Steelers.
Search #SparkConfidence on Instagram to discover what sparks the confidence of our Olympic and Paralympic athletes and join the global movement by sharing who sparks your confidence.