IoC unveils Olympic AI agenda in London to enhance athlete development

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach introduced the Olympic AI Agenda on Friday, asserting that artificial intelligence (AI) could be pivotal in uncovering athletic talent globally.

Speaking at Olympic Park, the historic site of the 2012 Games, Bach emphasized the necessity for the Olympic movement to spearhead change amidst the rapid evolution of AI worldwide.

"Today marks another stride in preserving the distinctiveness of the Olympic Games and the significance of sports. To achieve this, we must lead change, not merely adapt to it," stated Bach.

The former fencing gold medalist stressed the importance of adopting a comprehensive approach to formulate an overarching strategy for AI and sports.

Bach, addressing the audience less than 100 days before the commencement of the Paris Olympics, highlighted the distinction between sports and other sectors regarding AI integration.

"In sports, the essence lies in human performance. AI can augment athletes rather than replace them," Bach affirmed. "Its potential lies in identifying talent worldwide, providing personalized training, and enhancing the overall athlete experience."

The IOC's initiative, the Olympic AI Agenda, emanates from the deliberations of the IOC AI working group, comprising eminent AI pioneers, athletes, and experts, established last year.

When queried about potential drawbacks of AI implementation, Bach underscored the significance of preserving freedom of choice in sports.

"Individuals must retain autonomy in their sporting pursuits. Whether it's wrestling or tennis, the essence of choice should remain sacrosanct," emphasized the German official.

Lindsey Vonn, the former Olympic skiing champion, expressed admiration for the integration of AI in contemporary athlete training. Addressing attendees at the London event, Vonn lauded the potential of AI technology to revolutionize athlete preparation and talent scouting.

"I'm envious of today's athletes who have access to AI technology, which could have transformed my training regimen during my competitive years," confessed Vonn.

"Athletes can harness AI to optimize their training routines, both on and off the field, thereby enhancing performance and recovery," she elaborated.

Vonn, 39, underscored AI's role in democratizing talent identification, particularly in regions with limited resources for scouting.

"AI democratizes talent identification, enabling access to potential athletes through simple tools like smartphones. This inclusive approach fosters the discovery and development of sporting talent worldwide," Vonn concluded.

The unveiling of the Olympic AI Agenda marks a significant milestone in the integration of technology and sports, signaling a paradigm shift in athlete development and performance optimization on the global stage.

Source: AFP