Artificial intelligence (AI) is having a profound impact on the world of sports. It is transforming how athletes, coaches, and fans engage with sports disciplines, especially in performance analysis and injury prevention. In this article, we will examine how AI is applied in sports, providing practical examples in athletics and illustrating the benefits it brings to athletes’ performance.
Advanced Performance Analysis in Athletics
Example in Sprinters’ Training: Sprinters use wearable sensors that collect data on speed, acceleration, impact force, and push-off angle. AI processes this information to analyze running technique in detail. This allows athletes and their coaches to identify inefficiencies in movement, such as a push-off phase that’s too short or suboptimal posture, and to make targeted corrections.
How It Changes Athlete Performance: Thanks to these detailed analyses, a sprinter can improve their running technique, increasing maximum speed and energy efficiency. Small adjustments in posture or cadence can lead to significant reductions in race times.
Example in High Jump and Long Jump: AI analyzes movements during the approach run, takeoff, and landing. Through biomechanical modeling, it’s possible to optimize jump angles and approach speeds. This helps athletes achieve greater heights and distances.
How It Changes Athlete Performance: By improving jump technique, athletes can surpass their personal records. AI provides immediate feedback on aspects like takeoff angle or body position in the air, allowing for quick and effective corrections.
Injury Prevention and Management in Athletics
Example in Marathons and Distance Running: AI monitors training load and signs of fatigue through wearable devices that measure heart rate, heart rate variability, and other biomarkers. This helps prevent overuse injuries like tendinitis or stress fractures.
How It Changes Athlete Performance: By reducing the risk of injuries, athletes can maintain greater continuity in their training. This results in gradual but consistent performance improvements, as they can follow optimal training programs without forced interruptions.
Example in Javelin and Discus Throw: AI analyzes joint stresses during throwing movements, identifying patterns that could lead to shoulder or elbow injuries. Coaches can then modify technique or training intensity to prevent injuries.
How It Changes Athlete Performance: A healthy athlete can train more intensely and compete more frequently. Injury prevention allows them to focus on improving performance without setbacks.
Optimization of Training Strategies
Example in Personalized Training: AI develops customized training programs based on individual athlete data, such as response to training stimuli, recovery times, and past performances. This leads to a more scientific and personalized approach compared to traditional methods.
How It Changes Athlete Performance: Athletes can peak at specific times, such as major international competitions. Optimizing training increases the effectiveness of each session, maximizing results.
Enhancing the Fan Experience in Athletics
Example in Television Broadcasts: AI provides real-time analysis during athletic competitions, like a runner’s instantaneous speed or the power generated during a throw. This enriches the fans’ understanding of the event.
How It Changes Interaction with the Sport: Fans have access to more detailed information, increasing engagement and appreciation of the athletes’ skills. This can also stimulate interest in less-followed disciplines.
More Accurate Officiating and Decisions
Example in Photo Finish: AI improves precision in determining winners in races with minimal margins, analyzing high-speed images with greater accuracy than traditional methods.
How It Changes Competition Fairness: More accurate decisions ensure just results, increasing trust among athletes and fans in the competitive system.
Economic Benefits and Sustainability in Athletics
Example in Event Organization: AI helps predict audience attendance and optimize resource management during athletic competitions, reducing waste and improving operational efficiency.
How It Changes Sports Organization: More efficient management leads to lower operating costs and more sustainable events, freeing up resources for investments in athlete development and infrastructure.
