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Games chair welcomes AI to the team

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The global e-sports market was valued at US$1.72 billion in 2023.

The impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on sport is one of the biggest challenges for future Olympic Games officials, according to Australian Olympic Committee  Chairman Ian Chesterman.

Mr Chesterman will be a keynote speaker at Bond University’s Business Leaders Forum on June 13, and said the value of AI in umpiring, adjudication and monitoring back play is evolving.

“AI is going to continue to evolve in sport and its impact is being closely monitored on a range of levels," Mr Chesterton said.

“We believe using AI may help us do more on the fields of play and we want to explore those potential roles and how they can benefit all sports, not just the Olympic Games.”

Mr Chesterman said the use of AI was already prevalent in many sports and it’s a space the International Olympic Committee wants to be in.

In an almost parallel dimension, he said, the IOC is also closely monitoring the rise of e-sports.

The global e-sports market was valued at US$1.72 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach US$9.29 billion by 2032.

Games such as the League of Legends offers a US$1 million prize to players.

“They are going to continue to evolve and have an impact on existing Olympic sports, but we don’t see it as a threat to those existing sports," Mr Chesterton said.

“You only have to look at how skateboards, basketball 3X3 and BMX have made their way in (to the Games).

“E-games, and in fact any new games, is something we want to embrace to reach those younger athletes and different sporting audiences.”

Another of the challenges going forward after Paris 2024 is the need for more funding for athletes to travel, train and compete.

While he stopped short of discussing individual wages and bonuses for athletes, Mr Chesterman said the key for Australia to continue to do well will rest a lot on funding, be it private or public.

“I’m always keen to see corporate sponsors work with Australia’s athletes, be they urban or youth or Paralympians.”

He said sponsors like Gina Rinehart were vitally important in diluting the financial stressors for athletes.

“If you want to have a successful home games (Brisbane 2032), you have to be well supported and payments (to athletes) might be investigated.

“We’re looking at the very best and we need to provide them with the best opportunities.

“The key is to get funding.”

Also speaking with Mr Chesterman at Bond University are former Wallabies player, coach and sports administrator Pat Howard, high-level executive coaching administrator Elia Hill and, via video, Olympic and Commonwealth sprinting bronze medallist Patrick Johnson.

Register for the Bond Business Leaders Forum here.

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