The Olympic Games are in full swing and, in addition to top sporting performances and an impressive opening ceremony in Paris, the 2024 Olympics are also showing that they want to keep pace with technological developments. With the introduction of the Olympic AI agenda, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has taken a significant step into the future of sport. This innovative initiative was introduced during an interactive event at Lee Valley VeloPark in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the venue of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. At the heart of this groundbreaking agenda is the vision of how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can transform sports and how the IOC intends to lead the global implementation of AI in sports.
The Olympic AI Agenda is the third strategy document under the leadership of IOC President Thomas Bach, following the Olympic Agenda 2020 and the Olympic Agenda 2020+5. This document outlines the ambitious goals and guiding principles of the IOC for the use of AI in sports. It identifies high-impact areas for AI application and examines the frameworks and governance mechanisms needed to mitigate risks and promote the responsible use of AI.
President Bach emphasized in his speech that athletes are at the center of the Olympic AI Agenda. In sports, performance will always be delivered by humans, and AI is intended to support athletes worldwide. AI can discover talent in every corner of the globe, provide personalized training methods, offer high-quality sports equipment, and develop individual fitness and health programs. Furthermore, AI can revolutionize refereeing and judging processes, enhancing fairness in sports.
AI as a Game Changer
The possibilities of AI in sports are diverse. It can make organizing sporting events more efficient, transform sports broadcasting, and create a more personalized and immersive spectator experience. AI technologies are also set to improve safeguarding in sports and enrich historical images. During the 90-minute interactive event, experts from sports, technology, business, and academia discussed the practical application of AI tools in sports. These discussions highlighted the wide-ranging potential and applications of AI in sports. The development of the Olympic AI Agenda was supported by worldwide Olympic partners and media rights holders.
The Olympic AI Agenda is the result of deliberations by the IOC AI Working Group, a high-level panel of experts from around the world. This group investigated the use of AI in sports and the high-impact areas where the IOC could inspire AI application. The goal is to maximize the opportunities and manage the risks of the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence to support athletes and advance the development of sports and the Olympic Games.
The Path to the Future
With this agenda, the IOC aims to set the course for the AI future of sports, demonstrating responsible leadership by embracing change while preserving Olympic values. The Olympic Games in Paris 2024 promise not only athletic excellence but also an exciting journey into the future of Artificial Intelligence in sports.
Post picture: Olympia 2024
