The world of sports is full of incredible talent, but unfortunately, not all of it is being discovered and nurtured. This has been a long-standing issue in the world of athletics, where only a small percentage of athletes have the opportunity to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level. But what if I told you that with the help of technology, we can now bridge this gap and give every athlete a chance to shine? Thanks to Intel’s AI platforms, we are now able to identify and develop talent like never before.
Traditionally, scouting for talent in sports has been a challenging task. With millions of athletes around the world, it’s like finding a needle in a haystack. Take football, for example, the world’s most popular sport with over 300 million players, but only 130,000 elite and professional footballers. This means that there are potentially thousands of talented players who may never get the opportunity to showcase their skills and reach their full potential.
But with Intel’s AI platforms, we can change this narrative. In partnership with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Intel recently conducted a talent scouting project in Senegal. The project involved measuring the physical and cognitive abilities of a thousand children from five different villages. Through a series of jumping, speed, and strength drills, the Intel AI platform was able to identify 40 promising young athletes who will now receive training and support from the Senegalese National Olympic Committee in preparation for the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar 2026.
So how does this AI platform work? It all starts with a simple smartphone video. Using Intel’s AI technology, the video is then analyzed and processed, providing valuable insights into the athlete’s performance. This process is made possible by Intel’s powerful AI platforms, including the Intel® Gaudi® accelerator and Intel® Xeon® Scalable processors. With the help of these technologies, the AI platform can analyze up to 1,000 biomechanics data points, giving coaches and trainers a comprehensive understanding of an athlete’s abilities.
The best part? This technology is accessible to everyone. With just a smartphone and the free Intel AI platform app, athletes and coaches can capture and upload videos for analysis. This means that talent can be discovered and developed from any part of the world, breaking down geographical barriers and providing equal opportunities for all.
Caroline Rhoades, Intel Olympic Games Marketing Manager, says, “The point ultimately is that talent is shared equally, and opportunity is often not. This is the gap we are hoping to bridge with Intel-powered AI sports performance technology.” And it’s not just about finding the next Olympic champion. This technology can benefit all athletes, from beginners to professionals, by providing valuable insights and helping them improve their performance.
But the benefits of Intel’s AI platforms don’t stop there. During the Olympic Games Paris 2024, fans will have the opportunity to experience the AI platform in action at the Intel AI Platform Experience in collaboration with Samsung in Stade de France. This interactive fan activation will allow visitors to participate in various training activities and compare their performance to that of elite athletes. It’s a chance for the average person to get a taste of what it takes to train like an Olympian and discover their own athletic potential.
Sarah Vickers, head of Intel’s Olympic and Paralympic Games Program, says, “Utilizing a series of AI-driven drills, this innovative technology constructs a personalized athletic profile for every participant, aligning them with their optimal Olympic event.” This not only gives individuals a better understanding of their abilities but also helps coaches and trainers identify and nurture talent.
But perhaps the most significant impact of Intel’s AI platforms is the potential to level the playing field in the world of sports. With this technology, we can automate and increase access to opportunities for the next generation of athletes. By providing a more accessible and affordable way to assess talent, we can broaden the pool of athletes and give everyone a chance to shine.
Moreover, the AI platform can also help prevent injuries and improve overall performance. By analyzing video footage, coaches and trainers can identify potential injuries and start treatment immediately, preventing athletes from missing games and competitions. This can make a significant difference in the outcome of a competition or even a championship.
Caroline Rhoades says, “A professional coach told me that if this system can use video to predict an ankle injury in my top player, I can start their physical therapy immediately, prevent them from missing games,
