AI Revolutionizes Olympic Speedskating and Bobsled Team Preparations

In the high-stakes world of speedskating, mere tenths of a second can mean the difference between victory and missing out on medals. To gain this competitive edge, the United States Olympic speedskating team has embraced a cutting-edge tool. They’ve shifted from traditional analytics to a groundbreaking app driven by artificial intelligence, which simulates the intricate aerodynamics of skaters. This innovation is part of a modern suite of AI-powered tools employed by U.S. Olympic teams as they gear up for the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Games.

Introducing Slippery Fish: A Game-Changing App

The AI-enabled app, Slippery Fish, is customized for the speedskating team and has transformed their training approach. As 29-year-old team member Emery Lehman explained, “We used to fly athletes across the country to wind tunnels, spending significant time and money to collect aerodynamic data.” Thanks to Slippery Fish, these cumbersome processes are now streamlined through AI. The app facilitates on-the-fly testing and optimization of skaters’ postures to enhance aerodynamics, vital for success in speedskating events.

The app’s functionality mirrors that of AiRO, an AI-powered tool for cyclists, allowing coaches to upload images of skaters. From these images, digital avatars simulate how posture variations impact airflow and drag. This means that adjustments which once took weeks to validate can now be assessed in mere days. The app enables skaters to experiment with position adjustments in real-time.

AI: Transforming Training Beyond Speedskating

Beyond speedskating, AI is reshaping the training methods of other Olympic teams as well. The USA bobsled and skeleton team has partnered with Snowflake, a leading AI-focused data analytics company, to enhance their understanding of individual athletes. This collaboration helps coaches deliver precise advice and improve overall team performance ahead of the Milan Cortina Games.

Curt Tomasevicz, the director of sport performance for the bobsled team, highlights the transformative impact of AI. “While loading athletes into a sled may sound straightforward, optimizing their movements for peak performance can be complex.” By leveraging AI, the team gains insights into optimal training strategies tailored to specific conditions and athlete combinations.

Harnessing AI’s Potential

The integration of AI into Olympic sports training has unearthed vast data-driven insights. As Dan Webb from the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee notes, teams are only beginning to explore AI’s transformative potential. “We’ve made targeted initial AI investments but have not fully implemented AI tools across Team USA,” Webb said. The promise of AI extends beyond technical adjustments, offering a new frontier for teams to enhance athlete performance.

Looking forward, Shane Dormer of the speedskating team sees even greater potential with AI applications. “Post-Games, we anticipate diving deeper into AI insights for performance boosts and, ideally, more medals,” Dormer comments. The use of AI in sports continues to grow, opening new doors for innovation and excellence in competition.