Olympic organizers have announced their plans to integrate artificial intelligence into sports, in line with the global trend of leveraging rapidly advancing technology. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has revealed its strategy for utilizing AI, highlighting its potential to identify talented athletes, customize training techniques and enhance the fairness of games through improved judging.
Thomas Bach, the IOC President, emphasized the importance of embracing change to uphold the distinctiveness of the Olympic Games and the significance of sports. Speaking at a press conference held at the former London Olympic Park, Bach stressed the organization’s commitment to responsibly harnessing the extensive capabilities of AI.
The Paris Olympics, scheduled to commence in less than 100 days, will be an opportunity for the IOC to deploy AI technology to safeguard athletes against online harassment and enhance viewers’ experience by partnering with broadcasters to enhance the at-home viewing experience. Additionally, AI will be used for security measures, including video surveillance systems equipped with AI-powered cameras designed to detect potential security threats like abandoned packages or crowd disturbances.
While AI integration marks a significant advancement in sports technology, there are concerns about its use in various aspects of the Olympic Games beyond athlete development and audience engagement. However, Bach’s recognition of AI’s potential extends beyond sporting events and encompasses various aspects of the Olympic Games.
Overall, it seems that while there may be controversy surrounding some aspects of AI integration into sports events like security measures, there is no doubt that it has significant potential benefits for both athletes and viewers alike.
