Utilizing Smartphone Cameras, Intel's AI App Identifies Olympic Talent

Intel, in partnership with the International Olympic Committee and the National Olympic Committee of Senegal, has created an innovative AI platform to pinpoint potential future Olympic athletes. This cutting-edge application allows talent scouts to assess athletes using just a phone camera, eliminating the need for costly specialized equipment. By utilizing computer vision to analyze athletes' performance videos, the app generates insightful statistics that talent scouts can use to evaluate promising Olympic prospects.

Caroline Rhoades, the Olympic and Paralympic Games partner marketing manager from Intel's sales, marketing, and communications group, noted that this AI platform for talent identification not only reveals hidden talents but also addresses existing gaps in the scouting process. Senegal has already implemented this technology, with coaches utilizing the app to identify talent for the upcoming 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal's capital. Deployed across six villages in Senegal, the smartphone app swiftly analyzed over 1,000 children's physical capabilities, providing coaches with detailed biomechanical data points on factors like speed, agility, and acceleration.

With the aid of additional Intel technology, including Xeon processors for video processing and Gaudi AI accelerators for more efficient model training, the app successfully operated in remote areas. Rhoades expressed hope that this technology will enhance opportunities for aspiring athletes to showcase their talents on a global stage in the future.

The International Olympic Committee has long recognized AI as a valuable tool for identifying the next generation of Olympic athletes. A global project, set to launch in 2025, aims to leverage technology to pinpoint future sports stars. This initiative ensures that AI in sports is accessible to all, enabling equal opportunities for aspiring athletes worldwide.

By integrating advanced technology with traditional scouting methods, Intel's AI platform is revolutionizing talent identification in sports. This development signifies a significant step towards democratizing access to athletic opportunities and maximizing the potential of athletes worldwide.