Yahoo News TV star Mark Wright faces off against sports pros in summer challenge
As the summer of sport kicks off, TV personality Mark Wright was put to the test in a series of sporting challenges, including gymnastics, football and even pickleball, to see how he measured up against professional athletes.
First on the list, Olympic Champion Max Whitlock challenged him to perform a routine on a pommel horse. He then faced a penalty shootout against Lionesses Millie Turner and Toni Duggan, managing to block only one of their numerous shots.
Rising pickleball star Thaddea Lock gave him a run for his money in a game that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis.
This comes as research reveals that the average adult will spend 25 hours watching TV this summer, with sports taking centre stage.
Mark Wright, who is collaborating with Babybel, said: "I've always been passionate about sports and they've played a hugely important part in my life."
"With such an exciting summer of sport ahead of us, I was buzzing to rise to the challenge set for me, to get out of my comfort zone, and test my skills against some proper pros."
The study found that 37 per cent of people will spend half of their free time indoors between June and August watching sport. A whopping 89 per cent plan to do this at home, while 31 per cent plan to enjoy it from the comfort of a pub.
Euro 2024 will be watched by 76 per cent of viewers, with 69 per cent supporting the Olympics, and 56 per cent tuning into Wimbledon.
Despite the buzz, only a fifth of people plan to engage in sports this summer, with nearly half confessing they never participate in any sporting activities.
A further 23 per cent can't recall the last time they tried a new sport. However, almost a third would feel confident trying something new that was outside their comfort zone. Pickleball topped the list of sports those surveyed would like to try, followed by padel, squash, and golf.
The research also revealed that those who play a sport regularly engage in two activities, with football, athletics, and badminton being the most popular.
The study, conducted via OnePoll, found that 73 per cent believe participating in community sports greatly benefits mental and physical health. Moreover, 82 per cent think such participation also positively impacts the wider community.
A spokesperson for Babybel, which is launching a grassroots competition to help people stay active and connect with others, said: "Stepping outside of your comfort zone can be a daunting prospect, but it can have huge benefits on our wellbeing."
"Our research showed that lots of us will spend time enjoying watching sport this summer, but we want to encourage people to join the goodness and get actively involved."
TOP 15 SPORTS PEOPLE WOULD LIKE TO TRY.
Pickleball.
Padel.
Squash.
Golf.
Table Tennis.
Badminton.
American football.
Basketball.
Gymnastics.
Skateboarding.
Baseball.
Netball.
Rugby.
Cricket.
Hockey.
