During the freeski slopestyle event, Canadian Megan Oldham clinched an Olympic bronze medal on her final run, with viewers witnessing a buzzing noise coming from a drone closely following her, providing a new aerial viewpoint courtesy of the Olympic Broadcasting Services.
From the luge track to the alpine downhill slopes, spectators have recognized and appreciated this innovative drone coverage.
International Olympic Committee sports director Pierre Ducrey emphasized the commitment to enhancing the viewing experience both inside the stadium and for viewers at home.
The drones utilized are not ordinary; they are first-person view (FPV) drones capable of high-speed tracking, matching the athletes’ movements with precision on various terrains.
While drones have been part of the Olympics since 2014 in Sochi, Russia, the use of FPV drones represents a new advancement.
The skilled drone pilots, equipped with headsets and controllers, have become a highlight of the ongoing Winter Olympics.
These pilots manage speeds reaching up to 75 km/h to keep up with downhill skiers and navigate the tight spaces of the luge track, showcasing the technical expertise required for this task.
The meticulous preparation and execution involved in drone coverage at the Olympics cannot be underestimated.
The drones at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are gaining attention for their unique perspective and the buzz they generate.
CBC’s chief drone pilot, Trevor Lyons, highlighted the immersive experience that the drone footage offers viewers, providing a close-up and dynamic view of the athletes’ performances.
Although the specifics of the drone coverage setup have not been fully disclosed by the International Olympic Committee, experts suggest that extensive training and simulation exercises were crucial for the success of this innovative broadcasting technology.