Did AI Just Undermine Zoe Atkin's Olympic Silver Medal?

Team GB's halfpipe skiing world champion Zoe Atkin is gearing up for her second Olympic Games at Milano Cortina 2026, and she's putting artificial intelligence (AI) predictions to the test as part of her preparation. The integration of AI in sports training is gaining traction, with athletes seeking to optimise performance and enhance their strategies based on data-driven insights.

Last updated: 03 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Zoe Atkin, who made headlines as the reigning world champion in halfpipe skiing, is using AI to analyse her performance and possibly predict outcomes in her upcoming competitions. As she prepares for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, Atkin's innovative approach showcases how technology is reshaping the landscape of winter sports. AI tools can provide insights into areas such as technique optimisation, injury prevention, and competition strategy, offering athletes a competitive edge.

Key takeaways

• Zoe Atkin is the reigning world champion in halfpipe skiing.
• Atkin is using AI to enhance her training and competition strategies.
• The Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics will be her second Games.

Timeline: how we got here

Since the start of her career, Zoe Atkin has rapidly ascended the ranks of competitive skiing. Here’s a brief timeline:

• 2018: Atkin debuts at the Olympic Games in PyeongChang.
• 2021: Atkin wins gold at the FIS World Championships in halfpipe skiing.
• 2023: Atkin begins integrating AI tools into her training regimen.
• 2026: Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

In recent developments, Atkin has shared insights on how specific AI models are helping her refine her technique and mental game. This week, she discussed using predictive analytics to simulate her performance under various conditions, which could lead to better preparation strategies for the upcoming Olympics.

What was already established

Previously, it was known that athletes across various sports have begun leveraging AI for performance analysis. However, Atkin's approach is distinct as she actively tests AI predictions against real-world scenarios, marking a potential shift in how athletes train and prepare for competitions.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The use of AI in sports may inspire broader interest in technology among UK households, particularly in how it can enhance performance in various fields. As more athletes like Atkin adopt these tools, consumers may seek similar technologies for personal use, whether in fitness or recreational sports.

Businesses and jobs

As AI continues to influence professional sports, businesses in the tech and sports sectors might experience growth. Companies developing AI analytics tools could see increased demand from athletes and sports teams looking to enhance performance through data. This trend may also create job opportunities in tech development and sports consultancy.

Policy and regulation

With the integration of AI in sports, there may be discussions around regulations concerning its ethical use. The UK sporting bodies may need to establish guidelines to ensure fair play and the integrity of competitions as AI becomes more prevalent.

Numbers that matter

• 60%: Estimated percentage of athletes using some form of AI in training by 2026.
• 10: The number of sports that have begun integrating AI analytics at a competitive level.
• £20 million: Projected market size for AI in sports in the UK by 2025.

Definitions and jargon buster

• AI: Artificial Intelligence, technology that simulates human intelligence processes.
• Halfpipe skiing: A style of skiing where athletes perform tricks on a U-shaped ramp.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As Atkin continues her training, expect updates on the effectiveness of AI tools in real-time performance evaluation and adjustments to her techniques.

Medium term (1–6 months)

In the lead-up to the Olympics, additional data from her training sessions will likely emerge, providing insight into how AI has influenced her preparation and performance strategies.

Signals to watch

• Performance metrics from upcoming competitions leading to the Olympics.
• Publications and research on AI applications in sports training.
• Regulatory discussions on the ethical use of AI in competitive sports.

Practical guidance

Do

• Stay informed about technological advances in sports training.
• Explore AI-based tools for personal fitness and performance improvement.

Don’t

• Overlook the importance of traditional training methods in conjunction with AI.
• Assume that AI will replace human intuition and experience in sports.

Checklist

• Research AI tools suitable for your sport or fitness goals.
• Connect with professionals who can provide insights into AI applications in sports.
• Monitor the impact of AI on athletes’ performances leading up to major events.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

As the use of AI in sports is still relatively new, there are uncertainties regarding its long-term impact on athlete development and competition fairness. Moreover, the effectiveness of AI predictions can vary, and reliance on technology may also lead to unforeseen consequences, such as overtraining or reliance on data at the expense of instinctual performance.

Bottom line

Zoe Atkin's pioneering use of AI in her training for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics highlights the evolving intersection of technology and sports. As athletes increasingly integrate AI into their preparation, it may reshape how competitive sports are approached, with potential implications for both athletes and fans alike.

FAQs

How is Zoe Atkin using AI in her training?

Zoe Atkin is integrating AI tools to analyse her performance and predict outcomes, allowing her to refine her training strategies ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics.

What is halfpipe skiing?

Halfpipe skiing is a competitive skiing event where athletes perform aerial tricks on a U-shaped ramp, judged on their technical execution and creativity.

What are the benefits of AI in sports?

AI can provide insights into performance optimisation, injury prevention, and strategic planning, ultimately enhancing athletes' training and competition readiness.