The 2026 Winter Olympics will feature more data-driven tools behind skating routines, ski jumps and slalom races. Data science, computer vision and wearable technology are already part of the Olympic environment. Sophisticated analytics work quietly as athletes prepare and compete, helping to identify patterns in motion and performance.
Coaches and teams can use information gathered across many events to shape training and competition plans. Analytics also play a clear role in storytelling: visuals and numbers help viewers see what separates a top performance from others, and commentators now rely more on analytic insights.
Hassan Rafique, an assistant professor who studies sport analytics, examines how data changes both athletic performance and sports storytelling. The growing use of technology raises questions about fairness, access and future rules, and observers expect further change as experts, teams and media decide which data and methods matter most.
Difficult words
- analytics — methods for examining and interpreting data results
- computer vision — computer algorithms that analyze images and video
- wearable technology — electronic devices worn on the body
- sophisticated — complex and advanced in design or use
- storytelling — telling events and facts as a clear story
- pattern — regular way something happens or appearspatterns
- access — the opportunity to use or reach something
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think using data and technology makes sports fairer or less fair? Why?
- How could teams use analytics to change their training plans? Give one example.
- Would you like broadcasters to show more data and visuals during sports events? Why or why not?
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