Feb 13 • 07:50 UTC 🇨🇿 Czechia Aktuálně.cz

Czech figure skaters face criticism for 'AI mashup'. Points down, they rumble abroad

Czech figure skaters Kateřina and Daniel Mrázkoví faced backlash for performing to an AI-generated remix of an AC/DC song at the Winter Olympics, finishing 16th overall.

Czech figure skating siblings Kateřina and Daniel Mrázkoví, despite finishing 16th, garnered significant attention during the Winter Olympics due to the controversy surrounding their performance. Their routine was set to a remix of AC/DC's 'Thunderstruck', which was generated using artificial intelligence, leading to widespread criticism. As first-time Olympic competitors, the Mrázkoví were stepping into a high-pressure environment, especially as they had missed the European Championships due to illness earlier that season.

The duo faced particularly harsh reactions given that figure skating is often associated with deep emotional expression and storytelling through music. Critics argued that using AI to create the performance's music undermined the originality and artistic integrity that is traditionally celebrated in figure skating. The remix was created by their coach, Matteo Zanni, which added another layer of scrutiny regarding the authenticity of their artistic choices on such a prestigious stage.

This incident sheds light on the evolving role of technology in artistic sports like figure skating. As AI becomes more integrated into creative processes, it raises questions about what constitutes originality and the essence of performance art. The backlash against the Mrázkoví siblings emphasizes a broader dialogue about the impact of technology in creative fields and how athletes balance innovation with the expectations of tradition in their performances.

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