Google will bring its artificial intelligence and cloud computing infrastructure to the forefront of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games through a multifaceted partnership with the LA28 organizing committee, Team USA, and NBCUniversal. The collaboration, which designates Google as a founding partner and the official cloud provider, aims to create a more technologically advanced and engaging experience for athletes, fans, and the extensive workforce involved in the first Olympic and Paralympic events to be held in the United States in 26 years. The integration of Google’s Gemini large language model, Google Cloud platform, and sophisticated search technologies is set to redefine how audiences interact with the Games and how athletes prepare for competition.
This initiative represents a significant step forward in the role of AI at the Olympics. The partnership will leverage Google’s powerful tools to support a wide range of operations, from detailed analysis of athlete training data to streamlining the management of approximately 70,000 volunteers and staff members. Fans will experience the benefits of this collaboration through enhanced features on Google Search, which will be integrated into NBCUniversal’s broadcast coverage, providing viewers with instant access to information about events, athletes, and results. The collaboration builds upon previous successes, aiming to make the Olympic and Paralympic Games more personalized and interactive for a global audience.
Enhanced Fan Engagement and Interaction
The partnership between Google and NBCUniversal, the official U.S. broadcaster of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, will introduce a new level of interactive engagement for viewers. By integrating Google’s AI-powered search capabilities directly into the broadcast, fans will have a seamless way to access a wealth of information without missing a moment of the action. This integration will be powered by “AI Mode,” a search interface that utilizes large language models to process complex queries and deliver comprehensive responses with source citations from across the web. Viewers will be able to use their phones or computers to ask questions about medal counts, athlete biographies, event schedules, and competition details, receiving real-time answers that are verified with linked content. This feature is designed to be demonstrated during NBCUniversal’s programming, showing viewers in real time how to deepen their understanding of the Games as they unfold.
AI-Powered Search and Content Delivery
At the heart of this enhanced fan experience is the Gemini large language model. Fans can use the Gemini app or Google Search to ask a wide range of questions and receive detailed, context-aware responses. The system is designed to handle follow-up queries, allowing for a more natural and conversational search experience. In addition to real-time information, YouTube, a subsidiary of Google, will partner with NBCUniversal to host a variety of content related to the Games, expanding the reach of NBCUniversal’s storytelling through short-form video and other digital formats. This multi-platform approach ensures that fans have access to the content they want, on the devices they use most. Google Cloud will also play a crucial role in processing viewership metrics for NBCUniversal’s coverage across its various networks, including NBC, Peacock, and other cable channels.
Advanced Athlete Training and Performance Analytics
The partnership extends beyond the fan experience to provide tangible benefits for Team USA athletes preparing for both the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games and the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Games. Google Cloud will serve as the engine for analyzing vast amounts of training data, providing insights that can help athletes optimize their preparation and performance. By processing complex sports performance data, the platform can identify patterns and generate recommendations for training regimens, recovery strategies, and competitive tactics. This data-driven approach to coaching and athlete development is a key component of the partnership’s commitment to supporting athletic excellence.
Utilizing Gemini for a Competitive Edge
Team USA athletes will have direct access to Gemini’s capabilities to aid in their preparation and competition. The AI can be used for a variety of tasks, from analyzing video footage of their performance to providing detailed feedback on technique. For example, Gemini’s multimodal capabilities allow it to analyze video frames and provide a “style score” with detailed reasoning, without the need for sport-specific training data. This allows for a more subjective and nuanced analysis of an athlete’s performance. The platform can also be used to generate personalized coaching feedback, delivered in the voice of a professional coach, to provide encouragement and constructive criticism. This innovative application of AI has the potential to revolutionize how athletes train and prepare for the highest levels of competition.
Streamlining Operations for a Seamless Games
The logistical challenges of hosting an event on the scale of the Olympic and Paralympic Games are immense, and Google’s technology will be instrumental in ensuring smooth and efficient operations. The LA28 organizing committee will utilize Google Workspace, a suite of productivity and collaboration tools, to manage the complex tasks of planning and executing the Games. This includes coordinating the efforts of the 70,000 volunteers and staff members who are essential to the success of the event.
Google Cloud’s infrastructure will provide the computing power necessary to manage everything from venue logistics to transportation schedules, ensuring that all aspects of the Games run smoothly. This technological backbone will be a key factor in delivering a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone involved, from the athletes and officials to the spectators and media. The partnership is a testament to the commitment to innovation and delivering a technologically advanced, engaging, and digitally accessible Games.
A Technologically Advanced and Sustainable Olympics
The LA28 Games are set to be the most technologically advanced in history, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and innovation. A key aspect of this commitment is the decision to host the event without constructing new permanent venues, instead utilizing existing and temporary structures. This approach, combined with a “car-free” vision for the event, underscores the commitment to reducing the environmental impact of the Games. Technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and laser scanning will be used to efficiently retrofit and manage these venues, with data management centralized through a partnership with Autodesk.
The integration of AI-driven analytics will extend to all aspects of event management, from predictive scheduling to real-time audience engagement. This data-driven approach will help to personalize the experience for attendees, with mobile apps providing recommendations for events and other activities. The use of contactless technology, such as QR codes and RFID for check-ins, will further streamline logistics and enhance the visitor experience. By embracing these technological innovations, LA28 is not only setting a new standard for the Olympic Games but also creating a model for future large-scale events that are both technologically advanced and environmentally responsible.