“Our ambition is to be a frontrunner for AI in sport”

With this year soon coming to an end, we took the opportunity to sit down with Ilario Corna to get his insights on the new AI Working Group, which is currently developing a strategy on the impact of AI on the Olympic Games and the Olympic Movement. During the conversation, the IOC’s Chief Information Technology Officer explained why the IOC took the lead in preparing for the AI disruption in sport; AI’s potential to revolutionise the IOC, the Olympic Games and the Olympic Movement at large; and how to tackle the associated risks.

How did the idea of an AI working group come about?

Ilario Corna: The working group is actually the IOC President’s brainchild. He embraces new technologies and the opportunities that come with them. Earlier this year, he asked my colleague Leandro Larrosa, Director of Digital Engagement and Marketing (DE&M), and me to explore how AI could make the world of sport more agile, efficient and responsible, while also assessing related risks.

We recognised quickly that not many experts have thought very deeply about the impact of AI on sport yet, and so decided to set up a panel with AI experts from leading universities and companies to guide our work. Additionally, we have initiated internal consultations involving all IOC departments, and have enlisted the help of our partners to broaden our understanding and refine our policy. We will look to outline a strategy and the IOC’s approaches to AI applications for the Olympic Movement, while also covering ethical considerations and potential risks.

Which areas are likely to benefit from AI?

Ilario Corna: The IOC has a role to play as an organisation, as the owner of the Olympic Games and as the leader of the Olympic Movement. Accordingly, we have identified six different priorities for which we will explore use cases. They include growing engagement with people; driving efficiency for the administration; optimising Games operations; promoting social goods through sport; reinforcing athletes, safe sport and fairness; and innovating revenue-generation models.

AI has the potential to revolutionise all of these areas, but we also need to assess carefully related costs and risks, and to be mindful of protecting the human spirit.

Talking of risks, what are the most important threats posed by AI?

Ilario Corna: Our Worldwide Olympic Partner Deloitte provides us with a framework to tackle this critical area. There are a number of risks associated with AI - from deepfake and fake news, security risks and transparency concerns to data integrity and tech overreliance, to name but a few. These risks are being assessed carefully and will be properly addressed by the Olympic AI Agenda.

At which Games edition will the impact of AI really kick in?

Ilario Corna: I am convinced AI will become most visible at LA2028. We have seen AI in action already at some recent Games editions: for instance our TOP Partner OMEGA has used AI to ensure precise timing and scoring. Then, at Tokyo 2020, we have seen innovations like autonomous mobility options, field support robots and facial recognition authentication; but the differentiation between new technologies and AI can be a bit fluid at times. AI is the creation of computer systems that can perform tasks requiring human intelligence, such as learning, decision-making and problem-solving. In Paris next year we will launch some AI pilot initiatives, but LA 2028 will turn out to be the ultimate AI experience in my view.

How is the IKL area impacted by the Olympic AI Agenda?

Ilario Corna: First, IKL team member Jennifer Wyss-Vergnaud is instrumental in leading the AI initiative. She orchestrates our expert panel and TOP Partners in shaping our strategy. Secondly, AI significantly influences education and our learning methods, which are central to the work of our IKL team. Therefore, I foresee a period of exciting developments for all of us!

Your final comment?

Ilario Corna: We have high ambitions in the field of AI and see massive opportunities to enhance both our organisations and our events. The pace of developments in this area is breathtaking. By getting a headstart in preparing for the AI disruption, we aim to be a frontrunner in driving the change…Watch this space (smiles) !