Written understanding.
How artificial intelligence is revolutionizing professional sports
1 Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming common in sports, in the same way as other technological advances like 3-D motion graphics and high-speed photography. Its ability to analyze vast amounts of data, identify patterns, and make predictions in real time is proving valuable across various aspects of sports. From athletes to coaches and fans to referees, AI is enhancing performance, decision-making, and engagement at all levels.
2 In competitive sports, even the smallest differences can determine the outcome of a game. AI is transforming how athletes train, compete, and recover. It analyzes their movements to provide personalized training plans focusing on areas like speed, endurance, and technique. Coaches can use AI to gain insights into player performance and make adjustments to individual and team strategies. AI also reduces injury risk by recommending optimal training and recovery.
3 AI also plays a role in game strategy. By analyzing past performances and studying footage, AI identifies patterns that may not be visible to the human eye. This allows coaches to adjust strategies during the game and provide recommendations for best approaches to beat the opponent. In sports like football and basketball, AI suggests the best plays based on data, improving chances of success.
4 Sports referees and judges are also taking advantage of AI. The technology is allowing referees to make better calls on the field. In gymnastics, for instance, AI assists with scoring by analyzing athletes’ movements in 3D and comparing them to a database. This helps judges make fairer, more consistent decisions while reducing human error. AI also eliminates bias, ensuring scores are based on data rather than emotions.
5 AI enhances fan engagement too, as it analyzes preferences and behavior, offering personalized content such as articles or merchandise suggestions based on a fan’s previous interactions, ensuring they stay engaged with the sport even off the field. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, AI generated automatic highlight reels, focusing on events fans were most interested in. This technology allows better storytelling and engagement.
6 AI chatbots are improving fan interaction with sports teams. They provide instant responses, offering updates on games, ticket sales, and schedules. This creates a more personalized fan experience and simplifies communication with teams.
7 Sports are a major business, and AI is optimizing performance, marketing, and fan engagement. As AI technology continues to evolve, its influence in sports is expected to grow and bring new improvements to the game.
Adapted from Forbes, August 2024
Question 1 [2 points].
Indicate clearly by writing the words TRUE or FALSE whether the following statements are true or false according to the text and write down the sentence or the part of the text that you consider justifies your answer. The evidence must make sense and be grammatically and lexically coherent.
No points will be given if the evidence is not correct or if the handwriting is not sufficiently clear.
A. AI helps ensure fairness by using data instead of emotions to decide scores.
B. AI contributes to injury prevention by suggesting the best training and recovery methods for athletes.
C. AI’s role in sports is expected to decrease as technology develops.
D. AI is less significant in sports than other technological advances like 3-D motion graphics and high-speed photography.
Question 2 [2 points].Choose and answer only TWO of the following questions in your own words according to the text.
A. What are some ways AI helps improve fan engagement with sports?
B. How does AI assist coaches in making better decisions regarding game strategy? (Mention at least two examples)
C. What are some ways AI helps improve athletic performance and training?
Question 3 [1.5 points].Find in the text a word or phrase that corresponds to the meaning, definition, or opposite of each of the following.
A. An antonym for “useless” (paragraph 1):
B. A synonym for “result” (paragraph 2):
C. A word that means “to defeat somebody in a game or competition” (paragraph 3):
D. A synonym for “big” (paragraph 7):
Question 4 [1.5 points].Choose the correct option - A, B, C, or D - for each question. Indicate your choice clearly in your answer sheet, either by writing the letter A, B, C, or D or by copying the letter and the sentence that follows. No points will be given if the handwriting is not sufficiently clear.
1. How does AI assist referees in sports?
A. It helps them make fairer decisions by reducing mistakes.
B. It makes all decisions automatically without human help.
C. It helps them improve their skills by training outside of the game.
D. It offers biased decisions based on feelings instead of data.
2. How does AI improve the fan experience in sports?
A. It allows fans to create their own highlight reels and share them on social media.
B. It automatically creates personalized social media posts for teams based on fan interactions.
C. It personalizes content and suggestions based on the fan’s behavior.
D. It generates live social media polls for fans to vote on team strategies during matches.
3. How does AI assist athletes in improving their performance?
A. It designs customized training routines by analyzing their movements.
B. It replaces human coaches by designing training programs.
C. It prevents injuries by automatically stopping workouts.
D. It generates reels that help athletes review their games.
