The fight against sports doping: the crucial role of AI

The fight against sports doping: the crucial role of AI

AI is emerging as a key player in the fight against sports doping, with the potential to detect anomalies and improve transparency, although it presents ethical and equity challenges. Ethical data management in this field is essential to maintain integrity and protect the health of athletes in elite competitions such as the Olympic Games.

Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros

Juan Brignardello Vela

Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, se especializa en brindar asesoramiento y gestión comercial en el ámbito de seguros y reclamaciones por siniestros para destacadas empresas en el mercado peruano e internacional.

Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, y Vargas Llosa, premio Nobel Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, en celebración de Alianza Lima Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, Central Hidro Eléctrica Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, Central Hidro
Sports 03.07.2024

Data management and Artificial Intelligence (AI) could become a crucial tool in the fight against doping in the world of sports. According to Benjamin Cohen, director of the International Testing Agency (ITA), this technology could be key in detecting unusual behaviors associated with drug use in athletes. The goal is to optimize "risk analysis" and decide which athletes need specific monitoring based on suspicious data. With the proximity of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, addressing doping in sports becomes even more relevant. In a scenario where records are constantly being broken and competition is becoming fiercer, it is essential to have effective tools to ensure cleanliness in elite sports competitions. Benjamin Cohen points out that it is crucial to focus on the work of fighting doping and reducing administrative burden through the use of AI, which allows for more efficient and rapid management of a large amount of biological data and sports results, as well as anti-doping tests conducted by the ITA. However, Cohen also emphasizes the importance of treating information ethically and with the support of regulators. The use of AI in this context would not only allow for detecting the use of prohibited substances but also identifying extraordinary improvements in athletes' performance, which could be indicative of doping. The development of a "performance passport" by the ITA, which allows for measuring and detecting unusual improvements in athletes' performance, is a concrete example of how AI can be used to prevent doping in disciplines such as swimming, weightlifting, and cycling. The President of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, warned about the potential implications of combining AI and biochemistry in sports, pointing out that this convergence could lead to concerning performance enhancements. Technological evolution in the sports field poses ethical and equity challenges, as technological advances can widen the gap between the wealthiest athletes and the rest. In summary, the use of AI and efficient data management in the fight against doping in sports represent a promising tool to promote transparency and integrity in sports competitions. However, it is essential to establish a solid ethical framework and have adequate oversight to ensure that these technologies are used responsibly and fairly for the benefit of sports cleanliness and athletes' health protection.

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