Google Cloud AI Elevates US Ski & Snowboard Athletes
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Google Cloud has partnered with U.S. Ski & Snowboard to develop an innovative AI-powered coaching tool, marking an industry-first application of such technology in winter sports. This advanced system leverages computer vision and machine learning to provide objective, data-driven insights into athlete performance, aiming to elevate the skills of Team USA athletes for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The tool works by analyzing video footage of athletes, either in real-time or post-training. It precisely quantifies critical performance metrics that are often difficult for the human eye to consistently track. These include speed, airtime, rotation, amplitude, body position, distance, and landing angles. By processing thousands of jumps and runs, the AI can identify subtle patterns and provide highly specific feedback, moving beyond subjective observations to deliver actionable data.
The benefits of this AI tool are extensive. It offers personalized coaching by pinpointing exact areas for improvement, such as an athlete being “10 degrees short on their rotation” or landing at an incorrect angle. This objective feedback accelerates the learning process, allowing athletes to master complex tricks like triple corks faster and more safely, thereby reducing injury risk. For coaches, it serves as a powerful augmentation, enhancing their ability to provide precise guidance and focus on strategy, rather than just raw observation. The technology also democratizes access to elite-level analytical insights, making advanced training available to a broader range of athletes.
Several Team USA athletes, including Olympic medalists Mac Forehand and Alex Hall, and halfpipe specialist Hanna Faulhaber, are already utilizing this tool across disciplines like Slopestyle, Big Air, Halfpipe, and Moguls. Coaches, such as three-time Olympic medalist Nick Goepper, praise its ability to provide specific, quantifiable data that was previously unattainable. The article does not mention any explicit risks associated with the deployment of this AI coaching tool, focusing solely on its positive impact on athlete development and competitive advantage.
