Artificial Intelligence Set to Transform Olympic Figure Skating at Milan-Cortina 2026
Olympic figure skating is about to undergo a technological revolution that will fundamentally change how performances are judged and viewed. At the upcoming Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Games, artificial intelligence will provide unprecedented insight into the athletic precision of world-class skaters.
Precision Technology from Olympic Timekeeper
Swiss watch-making company OMEGA, the official timekeeper of the Olympic Games, has developed an advanced AI system specifically for figure skating. This technology will make its Olympic debut this month, offering judges analytical tools that go far beyond human visual capabilities.
"What we're trying to address with this technology is to provide judges with a tool in the future that allows them to take informed decisions about the athletes' routines," explained OMEGA chief executive Alain Zobrist during a demonstration at the Milano ice skating arena.
Zobrist emphasized the limitations of traditional judging methods: "They're judging these routines with their naked eyes and naturally it's difficult to see everything."
Sophisticated Camera System and 3D Analysis
The system employs fourteen specialized red cameras strategically positioned around the rink, all focused downward on the ice surface. These devices work in concert to track every movement as athletes perform their routines.
AI software processes the feeds from each camera to create comprehensive 3D renderings of skaters' movements. This technology delivers precise statistics including:
- Exact jump height measurements
- Rotation speed calculations
- Detailed blade detection data
- Accurate airtime and distance metrics
The system can visualize this information through heat maps and stroboscopic effects that replay movements in periodic flashes, creating what Zobrist describes as "a mosaic effect" that reveals the intricate details of each performance.
Real-Time Data for Judges and Broadcasters
One of the most significant advantages of this technology is its real-time capability. Judges receive detailed metrics immediately, allowing them to make informed scoring decisions based on precise data rather than visual estimation alone.
The system tracks numerous performance aspects including:
- Jump execution and landing precision
- Blade edge control and foot rotations
- Rotation accuracy during complex maneuvers
- Overall movement quality throughout routines
Broadcasters will also receive this data, enabling them to enhance viewer experience with detailed analytical commentary. The technology allows for direct comparison between live performances and historical data from past competitions, providing context that was previously unavailable.
Future Applications and Implementation
While the blade detection system is technically ready, OMEGA is taking a measured approach to implementation. "We may see it later on in the season," Zobrist noted. "Maybe for the World Championships."
This phased introduction ensures judges become familiar with the technology before it becomes an official scoring support tool. The system represents a significant advancement in sports technology, potentially setting new standards for judging accuracy across multiple disciplines.
The integration of AI into Olympic figure skating marks a turning point in sports analytics, promising greater transparency and precision in a sport where minute differences determine medal outcomes. As technology continues to evolve, the Milan-Cortina 2026 Games may be remembered as the moment when artificial intelligence became an integral part of Olympic competition.
