From GPS watches and wearable sensors to AI-powered broadcasting and remote officiating, modern technology is rapidly reshaping the world of sport – in fact, it already has. For athletes, coaches, organisers and fans alike, the question is no longer whether technology is part of sport, but rather, whether it’s actually making sport better.
In many ways, the answer appears to be yes. Technology is helping athletes train smarter, allowing organisers to run complex global events more efficiently and it’s making sports more accessible to audiences around the world. But it’s also raising new questions about data, fairness and whether the human element of sport is being lost.
And on top of that, there’s also the idea of sport becoming overly efficient – perhaps it’s possible to have access to too much data, to officiate far to closely and so on. Sport is also about a fair bit of luck and chance, so in many ways, as some would argue, modern technology may make sports too perfect. But whether or not we see that as a bad thing is entirely subjective.
Smarter Training Through Data
One of the most visible changes in sport has been the rise of wearable technology. From runners tracking their pace to elite athletes monitoring physiological data in real time, data is increasingly central to performance.
Ross McGraw, Chief Commercial Officer of CORE, says environmental conditions and physiological stress are becoming key factors that athletes must manage.
“Subtle environmental changes have real performance consequences, affecting speed, stability, fatigue and injury risk. In endurance-focused disciplines, especially, managing new environmental strain is becoming part of the competitive equation,” he explains.
As climate conditions become more unpredictable, athletes are relying more heavily on data to prepare.
“Rising temperatures are changing the physiological demands on athletes. Our work at CORE shows that success depends on managing fluctuating, unpredictable conditions that increase strain on race day. A wave of new data inputs, like core temperature, will allow wearables to form a more complete picture of an individual’s wellbeing.”
For many athletes, this shift toward data-driven training is already changing how they prepare and compete.
“Performance levels remain high, which suggests preparation is evolving, with teams taking a more data-driven approach to preparation,” McGraw adds.
Technology Behind the Scenes
Technology isn’t just transforming performance on the field; it’s also revolutionising how sporting events are organised.
Simon Hainsworth, Managing Director of CSE, says modern logistics technology is critical when planning major global sporting events.
“Behind the scenes, the planning of sporting events is being revolutionised by technology – helping logistics experts keep track of every single person and piece of equipment involved in major events like the Olympics or Commonwealth Games, alongside meeting timing, cost and sustainability expectations.”
Managing these events requires coordinating vast amounts of constantly changing information.
“The large volume of ever-changing data linked to transporting and accommodating huge numbers of people and items around the world can be monitored around the clock by AI, saving inordinate amounts of time for planners,” Hainsworth explains.
However, he emphasises that technology supports human expertise rather than replacing it, as we see in many, if not most, industries affected by AI, for instance.
“Tech does not and should not replace the wealth of human intelligence in the sports logistics sector – but it has certainly become an essential component of the planning process.”
A More Analytical Game?
Technology has also transformed how teams evaluate players and make strategic decisions.
Greg Linnellli, Account Strategist at Otter Public Relations and Sports Broadcaster, says analytics are now deeply embedded in professional sport.
“There no is question that modern technology has changed sports for the better. Players and coaches are constantly looking at analytics to evaluate players both currently on the active roster and potential draft picks who might be part of the organisation moving forward.”
Data now influences everything from recruitment to player contracts.
“General managers can use technology to evaluate if a player is worth signing to a lucrative contract based in part off metrics and analytics the team uses internally.”
However, not all technological developments have been universally welcomed, that’s for sure.
“Where technology has potentially hurt sports to a degree comes in the form of instant replay,” Linnellli says. “While certain calls will be reviewed and reversed there’s still a segment of officials, fans, and even players who appreciate the human element of officiating for calling games.” And here, I would have to agree, to some extent. Part of the fun is the unpredictability and human error involved in the officiating process – technology risks eliminating that entirely if we allow it.
Expanding Access and Visibility
Technology is also helping smaller or traditionally niche sports reach wider audiences. Oscar Mancini, a coach at Los Techos Polo, says digital tools are transforming both coaching and visibility within the sport.
“Modern technology is increasingly shaping the future of sport, and polo is no exception. As a coach, I see how tools like video analysis and wearable tracking systems help players understand their performance in ways that were impossible before.”
These tools also play a role in protecting athletes and animals involved in sports, like polo and other equine activities.
“For example, technologies such as EquiTrack allow us to monitor horse movement, speed, and workload, helping us manage training more responsibly and protect the welfare of the horse.”
Broadcasting technology is also helping to grow the sport’s audience. “In addition, better broadcasting tools and digital platforms help bring polo to a wider global audience, making a traditionally exclusive sport more accessible.”
But Data Has Its Limits
Despite the benefits of modern sports technology, experts caution against relying too heavily on the numbers.
Coach Amanda Grimm, Certified Running Coach and PT at We Run, says everyday runners should remember that not all wearable data is truly personalised.
“Tracking your running stats used to involve spending time planning routes, calculating distances and timing yourself to estimate your pace. With the arrival of GPS technology, now runners can automatically access an incredible array of stats after every run.”
However, some metrics are estimates rather than precise measurements, and it’s essential that we remember that. “What many runners don’t realise is that stats like VO2 Max, recovery time, and calories are estimated and based on averages from laboratory data.”
Because of this, athletes should approach their devices with some caution. “So while technology has made tracking progress much easier, it’s important not to become overly reliant on it,” Amanda adds.
A Changing Game
From wearable sensors to AI-powered logistics and advanced broadcasting tools, technology is undeniably reshaping modern sport. While concerns remain about over-reliance on data or the loss of the human element, the overall direction appears clear.
Technology isn’t necessarily replacing the core of sport – the athletes, the competition and the unpredictability – but it certainly is changing how the game is played, prepared for and experienced by fans around the world. How far we allow this to go is going to up to industry leaders.
Here’s a little more of what the experts had to say on the topic.
Our Experts:
- Ross McGraw: Chief Commercial Officer of CORE
- Simon Hainsworth: Managing Director of CSE
- Greg Linnellli: Account Strategist at Otter Public Relations and Sports Broadcaster
- Oscar Mancini: Coach at Los Techos Polo
- Coach Amanda Grimm: Certified Running Coach and PT at We Run
Ross McGraw, Chief Commercial Officer of CORE
“Subtle environmental changes have real performance consequences, affecting speed, stability, fatigue and injury risk. In endurance-focused disciplines, especially, managing new environmental strain is becoming part of the competitive equation.
“Rising temperatures are changing the physiological demands on athletes. Our work at CORE shows that success depends on managing fluctuating, unpredictable conditions that increase strain on race day. A wave of new data inputs, like core temperature, will allow wearables to form a more complete picture of an individual’s wellbeing.
“Performance levels remain high, which suggests preparation is evolving, with teams taking a more data-driven approach to preparation.
“Success in endurance sports increasingly comes down to who adapts best to more extreme, variable conditions. Where preparation falls short, both performance and safety face greater risk. The goal is simple: help every athlete and train smarter, stay safer and unlock their full potential.”
Simon Hainsworth, Managing Director of CSE
“Behind the scenes, the planning of sporting events is being revolutionised by technology – helping logistics experts keep track of every single person and piece of equipment involved in major events like the Olympics or Commonwealth Games, alongside meeting timing, cost and sustainability expectations.
“The large volume of ever-changing data linked to transporting and accommodating huge numbers of people and items around the world can be monitored around the clock by AI, saving inordinate amounts of time for planners. And it’s not just about information gathering, more sophisticated tech can highlight when there might be an issue like a storm heading towards an airport or tailbacks building after a traffic accident, giving logistics teams vital time to react and put contingency plans in place to ensure sports events can still go ahead without a hitch.
“Tech does not and should not replace the wealth of human intelligence in the sports logistics sector – but it has certainly become an essential component of the planning process.”
For any questions, comments or features, please contact us directly.
Greg Linnellli, Account Strategist at Otter Public Relations and Sports Broadcaster
“There no is question that modern technology has changed sports for the better. Players and coaches are constantly looking at analytics to evaluate players both currently on the active roster and potential draft picks who might be part of the organisation moving forward.
“General managers can use technology to evaluate if a player is worth signing to a lucrative contract based in part off metrics and analytics the team uses internally.
“Agents can also leverage modern technology to help make a more compelling case as to why a player deserves an increase in pay.
“Where technology has potentially hurt sports to a degree comes in the form of instant replay. While certain calls will be reviewed and reversed there’s still a segment of officials, fans, and even players who appreciate the human element of officiating for calling games.
“Overall, modern technology has been a net positive for all sports and athletes.”
Oscar Mancini, Coach at Los Techos Polo
“Modern technology is increasingly shaping the future of sport, and polo is no exception. As a coach, I see how tools like video analysis and wearable tracking systems help players understand their performance in ways that were impossible before. For example, technologies such as EquiTrack allow us to monitor horse movement, speed, and workload, helping us manage training more responsibly and protect the welfare of the horse.
“Technology also improves coaching by allowing players to review their riding position, swing mechanics, and tactical decisions after each session. This accelerates learning, especially for beginners. In addition, better broadcasting tools and digital platforms help bring polo to a wider global audience, making a traditionally exclusive sport more accessible.
“While technology should never replace horsemanship, instinct, and experience, it can greatly enhance them. When used correctly, it makes sport safer, smarter, and more transparent for athletes, animals, and fans alike.”
Coach Amanda Grimm, Certified Running Coach and PT at We Run
“Tracking your running stats used to involve spending time planning routes, calculating distances and timing yourself to estimate your pace. That thankfully with the arrival of GPS technology, and now runners can automatically access an incredible array of stats after every run. Getting accurate information on things like pace and distance can be really beneficial for tracking progress.
“But what about all the other data you’re presented with? What many runners don’t realise is that stats like VO2 Max, recovery time, and calories are estimated and based on averages from laboratory data. Properly measuring VO2 max, for instance, requires a lab, a breathing mask, and blood tests, not a wrist sensor.
“So while technology has made tracking progress much easier, it’s important not to become overly reliant on it. Understanding which data is truly personal and which is based on generalised estimates is important if it is going to dictate your training decisions.”
For any questions, comments or features, please contact us directly.
