Feb 15 β€’ 00:00 UTC πŸ‡―πŸ‡΅ Japan Asahi Shimbun (JP)

A New Olympic Story Filmed by Drones: Powerful Footage That Makes You Feel One with the Athletes

Innovative drone technology enhances the viewer experience at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics by providing immersive footage from the athletes' perspectives.

The Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics has seen an exciting integration of drone technology that captures athletes' performances from unique perspectives, creating a sense of immersion for viewers. Notably, during the mixed team ski jumping event, footage shot directly behind the athletes as they leap from the jump platform offered breathtaking views, making viewers feel as if they were part of the action. The same innovative approach was applied during the women's alpine skiing downhill, allowing fans to experience the speed and dynamic turns of the competitors as they raced at speeds around 120 kilometers per hour.

This technology relies on lightweight FPV (First-Person View) drones, approximately 250 grams each, which are piloted by remote operators wearing virtual reality-style goggles and using controller-like devices. A total of 15 FPV drones have been deployed for this Olympics, significantly enriching the telecast of events, except for ice hockey, figure skating, and curling where such technology faces limitations in effectiveness. This new method not only conveys the thrill of competition but also showcases the efforts made to ensure safety while enhancing the overall viewer experience.

As the Milan-Cortina Olympics is set to take place from February 6 to 22, 2026, this pioneering use of drone technology not only marks a significant evolution in sports broadcasting but also reflects the International Olympic Committee's commitment to innovation in presenting Olympic sports. By incorporating cutting-edge technology, the aim is to attract a broader audience and enhance the excitement around the athletes’ achievements.

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