How "Big Data" and Artificial Intelligence are Revolutionizing Elite American Athletes' Training for Global Competitions

"Big data" and artificial intelligence are revolutionizing the training methods of top American athletes for the world's most prestigious competitions. The first modern Olympic Games took place in Athens in 1896; since then, 26 nations have hosted the event. The U.S. holds the record for the most medals in Olympic history and aims to continue this trend in the upcoming games. The 2024 Summer Olympics will be held in Paris, attracting billions of viewers globally and millions of spectators in person. Over 10,000 athletes will compete to achieve glory and represent their countries, with only the elite securing victories. Every nation is striving to gain a competitive advantage. As a wealthy nation with access to advanced technology, the U.S. is well-positioned to offer its athletes superior training opportunities. We visited the primary athletic training center in Colorado Springs to learn about the impact of science and technology on athletic performance. Lindsay Golich, a senior exercise physiologist at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, shared insights into her work. She humorously describes her role as focusing on athletes "from the neck down," aiming to enhance human performance by optimizing abilities like jumping further, running faster, or enduring longer. In the sports science department, various disciplines collaborate, such as sports physiology, dietetics, psychology, and technology. Golich has had the privilege of working with athletes who have reached the podium at events like the World Cup, Olympics, or World Championships. Even those who haven't reached such heights benefit from optimizing their performance, sometimes achieving dreams they never thought possible. The dedication required to excel in sports involves immense time, sacrifice, and focus, which is not for the faint-hearted. Kara Winger, an Olympic javelin thrower training in Colorado Springs, acknowledges technology's value in training and recovery. The High-Altitude Training Center (HATC) at the Colorado Springs Olympic & Paralympic Training Center allows athletes to adjust humidity, temperature, and altitude. This enables them to simulate conditions of different locations, such as preparing for a race in Tokyo at sea level. Modern tools provide athletes with detailed insights into their bodies and recovery processes, encouraging a more mindful approach to training. Many athletes now use devices that monitor recovery, sleep, and physical condition, offering numerical data that can be interpreted with AI to tailor training plans. AI is increasingly integrated into our lives and holds the potential for analyzing the vast data athletes collect, offering cohesive insights. From smart swimming goggles to mobile wind tunnels for cyclists, sports technology is more accessible and significantly influences training. Ryan Bolton, coach of the U.S. triathlon team and former Olympian, emphasizes the role of science and technology in sports. Athletes use various smart devices to track performance metrics, which coaches then analyze to refine training programs. Barney Garrood, an aerodynamicist from Formula One, applies his expertise to cycling with the U.S. triathlon team. His company, Aerosensor, produces compact devices that provide real-time performance data, allowing athletes and coaches to make immediate adjustments. Wearable devices generate extensive data for Olympic athletes, which, while beneficial, can be overwhelming. In the future, AI is expected to play a significant role in managing this data and potentially offering coaching insights. Lorena Martin, an assistant professor at the University of Southern California, highlights the transformative impact of AI in sports and other fields. AI algorithms enhance the precision of wearable technology, offering detailed insights into performance. Athletes and trainers agree on balancing human and machine elements in sports. While technology can enhance performance, the human aspect remains crucial in effectively managing and utilizing these advancements.