The survey by The Sprintathon found that a third of Brits either participated in or are signed up to participate in a sporting event for charity, with 30% cutting out junk food in the lead up to the event, 27% eating more carbs and 21% eating more fruit and veg.
Mo Farah is the most influential athlete when it comes to diet with 21%, followed by the Brownlee brothers (13%).
Jenny Tschiesche, nutritionist working with GB athletes, said: “It is fantastic that people’s diets appear to be more positively influenced by successful Olympians than they do by the big junk food brands that sponsor the Olympics.”
Jennifer Thomas, Sprintathon participant, added, "Combining foods that gave me the right level of sustainable energy to help my training, whilst also being low in fat has really progressed my fitness. I believe it's important to have a set of acheivable goals so that you have a fitness programme and diet that can be sustained long after the Sprintathon is finished!"