Women hot for team players

A new study in the journal Evolutionary Psychology gives scientific validation for the reason for our David Beckham love, and it has nothing to do with his visage or his physique, or even that hot accent (though they no doubt have something to do with it!). According to research out of Laurentian University, reported in today’s Globe and Mail, we’re suckers for guys who play team sports.

The research involved some 282 women between the ages of 18 and 29 who were shown photos of attractive and unattractive men, along with short profiles that referenced athletic involvement. Options included team sports, solitary sports, non-athletic extra-curricular activities and no athletic activities. They were also listed as either being skilled at their sport and highly regarded by their teammates, or less skilled and not highly regarded.

Based on the profiles, the women had to say whether they would go on a date, have a short- or long-term relationship or sleep with the various men. So guess who was most likely to score? The team players, of course.

The researchers speculate it’s because women may subconsciously believe guys who play on teams make better parents. For me, there’s something about the combination of guys being guys and working up a sweat that I must admit I enjoy.

What about you? Any athletes that get your blood pumping? Or sports you find most attractive?