Yusuf Dikec, a 51-year-old air pistol shooter from Turkey, stood out at the 2024 Olympics. Dressed in a simple team t-shirt and non-descript glasses, he eschewed the advanced technology embraced by his competitors. He didn’t rely on noise-cancelling ear protectors, special lenses, or even a hat. Yet, Dikec and his teammate won silver, sparking a social media frenzy celebrating his raw talent. He embodies the spirit of ancient Greek athletes, competing without relying heavily on technology.
While ancient Olympics utilized the best technology of their time, modern games have witnessed a dramatic rise in technology’s impact on athletic performance. The first scientific studies on athletes in motion emerged in 1900, paving the way for advancements like the LZR Racer swimsuit, developed with NASA technology and worn by Michael Phelps during the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
The use of wind tunnels to optimize bicycle design, composite materials for pole-vaulting, and 3D mapping for swimmers further illustrate technology’s influence on athletic performance. The case of Oscar Pistorius, the Paralympian who competed with prosthetic legs, sparked controversy, with some arguing his prosthetic legs gave him an unfair advantage. Despite the controversy, Pistorius achieved historic milestones at the 2012 London Paralympic Games before facing tragedy.
The 2024 Olympics mark a new era, with AI playing a pivotal role. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has outlined an Olympic AI Agenda, emphasizing AI’s potential to support athletes while maintaining the human element at the heart of the games.
AI is being used to protect athletes from online abuse, enhance broadcast experiences, monitor energy consumption, and identify new talent. The IOC is collaborating with technology partners like Intel, Atos, and Alibaba to implement digital twinning, multi-camera replay systems, and AI-powered data analysis. These advancements aim to make the Olympics more digital, connected, and secure.
While technology offers athletes a distinct advantage, questions arise about the potential for unfair advantage and the erosion of the human element in sports. The introduction of touchpads in swimming, pressure sensors in starting blocks, and advanced materials for sports equipment illustrate the evolving landscape.
However, Dikec’s success serves as a reminder that raw talent and human skill remain crucial in sports. His story celebrates the enduring power of human capability and the enduring appeal of athletic prowess, even in the face of technological advancements.
