IOC Launches Olympic AI Agenda Focused on Athlete Welfare, Integrity, and Engagement

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has launched its Olympic AI Agenda, a formal framework to guide the responsible use of artificial intelligence across the global Olympic Movement. The initiative outlines a structured approach to leveraging AI in ways that align with the Olympic values of excellence, respect, and fairness.

The Agenda was developed in consultation with athletes, researchers, technology firms, and international sports bodies, and identifies six specific areas of focus: competition and athlete performance, safeguarding and integrity, education and research, digital engagement, accessibility, and sustainability. Each area is designed to ensure that AI serves athletes, enhances fan experiences, and reinforces transparency and ethical standards.

IOC President Thomas Bach said, “The Olympic AI Agenda is a call to action. We must work together to understand and shape how this transformative technology can serve sport and society.” Bach reiterated that the Agenda is built on a “human-first” philosophy, ensuring AI acts in service of people, not as a replacement for them.

In practical terms, the IOC intends to apply AI to optimise athlete preparation, detect potential manipulation or abuse, and improve access for fans with disabilities. Other planned applications include automated officiating support, enhanced data analytics in broadcast production, personalisation of content for fans, and sustainability solutions that reduce the environmental impact of major events.

Crucially, the IOC committed to ensuring that smaller or resource-limited Olympic sports are not excluded from AI innovation. By promising equitable support and scalable pilot programs, the Agenda emphasises inclusivity as a foundational principle.

From a commercial perspective, the Agenda opens new collaboration pathways with AI developers and technology companies. It positions the IOC to influence standards-setting and ethical governance globally, particularly as AI becomes embedded in areas such as anti-doping protocols, predictive injury prevention, and immersive digital platforms.

To support implementation, the IOC will publish regular progress reports, coordinate with National Olympic Committees and International Federations, and launch working groups focused on best practices and scalable pilots. By embedding this strategy at the movement’s highest level, the IOC aims to lead—not follow—in shaping sport’s AI-enabled future.

The Olympic AI Agenda marks a pivotal development for sport governance, offering a proactive roadmap for integrating artificial intelligence while preserving the core values of the Olympic Games. As AI continues to reshape industries globally, the IOC’s agenda sets a precedent for how technology can be both embraced and ethically managed in high-stakes, global competition.