How Chinese artificial intelligence put a new spin on Winter Olympics action
South China Morning Post
by Xiaofei Xu,Ann CaoFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics introduced a groundbreaking use of artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize sports broadcasting, offering viewers unprecedented perspectives and enhancing the overall viewing experience. One notable example was American figure skater Ilia Malinin’s historic quad jump during the event. Millions witnessed a never-before-seen replay: the jump was split into individual frames that appeared to orbit around him, providing a unique and immersive way to analyze the athlete's performance.
This innovative use of AI extended far beyond isolated moments like Malinin’s jump. The technology enabled broadcasters to capture real-time tracking of athletes on the slopes, offering seamless replays and detailed analyses. For instance, skiing and snowboarding events benefited from AI-powered tools that generated 3D recreations of jumps and turns, allowing viewers to dissect every move with precision. These advancements not only elevated the quality of coverage but also made complex sports more accessible to a global audience.
The integration of AI at the Winter Olympics highlights its growing role in shaping modern media. By providing deeper insights into athletes' performances, it bridges cultural gaps, making even niche sports like figure skating and snowboarding more relatable worldwide. As technology continues to evolve, such innovations will likely become standard, redefining how future sporting events are experienced globally. This shift not only enhances the viewer experience but also underscores the transformative potential of AI in shaping the future of sports broadcasting on a global scale.
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/20/2026