At the freeski slopestyle event, Canadian Megan Oldham secured an Olympic bronze medal on her final run, accompanied closely by a drone providing a unique view, a new feature introduced by the Olympic Broadcasting Services. These first-person view (FPV) drones, unlike traditional drones, can mimic the movements of athletes at high speeds, enhancing the viewer experience.
While drones have been utilized in the Olympics since 2014, the FPV drones represent a new level of coverage. Piloted by operators with headsets and controllers, these drones can reach speeds of up to 75 km/h, capturing the action from alpine skiing to luge tracks.
Trevor Lyons, CBC’s chief drone pilot, highlighted the effort put into providing viewers with an immersive experience, akin to what the athletes themselves face. The intricate coverage required extensive preparation and simulation work.
Despite the positive reception, drone usage has faced criticism for the noise generated during broadcasts, with some comparing it to the vuvuzelas of the 2010 soccer World Cup. Athletes have also expressed mixed reactions, appreciating the unique angles but noting challenges in visibility.
Pierre Ducrey of the International Olympic Committee acknowledged the value of drones in enhancing the Olympic experience, emphasizing the need for adaptation to this evolving technology.