Paris Olympics health tech roundup

While sports biometricians would consider them mundane, those of us with more modest exposure to healthcare tech in sports may not be aware of what was happening behind the scenes in Paris.  

Our first televised exposure happened at a very basic prime-time level during the swimming events and it wasn’t really related directly to the swimmer.  What could be called “remote fan monitoring” or RFM where a pulse rate feed was relayed from the swimmer’s parents during their child ‘s or spouse’s races? What was remarkable was that in some cases there was no relationship between the drama and the heart rate…in others, it was what you would expect.  

However, the 2024 Paris Olympics did showcase a range of new health and technology innovations that were designed to enhance athlete performance, spectator experience, and overall event security.  

Paris Olympics health tech advancements

1. AI and Athlete Performance: Artificial intelligence was used to analyze athlete performance in real-time, providing valuable insights for coaches and athletes. For example, cameras and sensors are used to track movements and provide data on acceleration, top speeds, and stride lengths. This data was used to improve performance in the middle of events and to create personalized training programs and strategies in between them​.
2. Health Monitoring and Athlete Safety: AI and other technologies are being deployed to monitor athlete health and safety. This includes tracking physiological data to prevent injuries and optimize recovery. Additionally, from a mental health perspective, AI was being used to detect and mitigate social media abuse directed at athletes and officials, ensuring a safer and more supportive environment​.
3. Wearable Health Monitors: Athletes are using wearable devices that track a wide range of physiological metrics, such as heart rate, body temperature, hydration levels, and sleep quality. These devices help in real-time monitoring of athletes’ health, allowing medical teams to make informed decisions on training intensity, recovery, and overall well-being​ .
4. AI-Driven Injury Prevention: AI is being utilized to analyze movement patterns and identify risks of injury before they occur. By monitoring how athletes move, AI can detect anomalies that might indicate fatigue or strain, enabling timely interventions to prevent injuries.
5. Telemedicine and Remote Consultations: Not unlike being at home, there was the availability of quick medical consultations, where athletes and officials had access to telemedicine services. This allowed them to consult with healthcare professionals around the world remotely, ensuring prompt medical attention without needing to visit a physical clinic​ in Paris. 
6. Mental Health Support: The Olympics had integrated mental health support services, including AI-driven chatbots that provide athletes with immediate psychological assistance. These tools offer coping strategies, stress management techniques, and direct access to professional mental health resources if needed​. In the not-so-distant past services like these would have been unheard of. But with legendary athletes promoting their own mental health challenges, it became truly “OK to say you’re not OK.”  

 These healthcare technologies reflect the increasing role of digital health in sports, aiming to optimize performance while safeguarding the athletes’ physical and mental health throughout the competition. The ability to bring “fandom” into the remote monitoring added even more to the Olympic spectator and TV viewer experience.