Oakley recently launched the next chapter of the ONE OBSESSION campaign, encouraging people to make room for their sporting-passions – be it sacrifices in their family-life, career or friendships.
In building the campaign, Oakley created the ONE OBSESSION athlete survey that examines the behaviors and lifestyles of “The Obsessed” - the committed everyday athletes who tirelessly pursue their sport - to find true insights into what drives them.
The brand movement invites athletes of all abilities to join Oakley’s global network of renowned ambassadors in celebrating the very real, not always glamourous, moments of pursuing your passion. It’s not just about winning and losing. It’s about the journey and the lengths you’ll go for your sport, and they want to celebrate all of it. IT’S OK, in the name of obsession.
One obsession: Mark Cavendish. Picture: Supplied.
The findings were very revealing about what’s OK in the name of obsession:
They know what work-life balance is all about
- 40% of employed athletes would rather excel at their sport than at their job
- 23% of employed athletes say their sport is more important than receiving awards or recognition at work
The Obsessed are willing to make sacrifices
- One-third (34%) of athletes who have made sacrifices have let go of romantic relationships for their dedication
- 29% of athletes who have made sacrifices think they have given up financial success for athletic excellence
- 51% have trained on their birthday and 40% have worked out on major holidays like Christmas or Thanksgiving
For committed athletes, their sport is always on their mind
- Over in 9 in 10 (91%) think about their sport at least once a day
- 21% say they would be ‘completely lost’ without their sport
- 15% simply ‘don’t feel like themselves’ when they are not doing their sport
Whether they are cyclists, golfers, skiers & snowboarders, runners & triathletes, or motorsport athletes, their sport is at the heart of their identity. It’s not what they do in their spare time. It’s not a ‘hobby.’ It’s truly who they are.