Great Britain’s Olympic and Paralympic teams must adopt artificial intelligence to stay competitive, according to UK Sport chairman Nick Webborn.
In his first interview since taking the role, Webborn said past success will not guarantee future results. Instead, teams must think smarter and work in new ways.
He stressed that AI should support performance, while closer cooperation across sports must replace isolated working.
Collaboration Over Silos
Webborn said sports bodies now share information more openly than before. As a result, knowledge moves faster across the system.
He believes this unity is essential if Britain wants to remain high on the medal table. Without it, other nations could pull ahead.
“We are moving together now,” he said, adding that collaboration has already improved results.
AI Beyond Online Safety
UK Sport already uses AI to protect athletes from online abuse. However, Webborn said its role can go much further.
He explained that AI could assist coaches and athletes in several areas. These include performance analysis, training load management, injury prevention, and talent identification.
In Paralympic sport, AI could also help improve classification systems and decision making.
Medal Targets and Global Pressure
Team GB won 65 medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics, matching its total from London 2012. However, the number of gold medals fell to 14.
Because of this, Britain dropped from fourth to seventh place. That marked its lowest position in 20 years.
Webborn said small improvements now matter more than ever. Turning silver medals into gold could make a major difference.
Meanwhile, the Paralympic team has remained second behind China for several Games. Still, Webborn warned that competition is growing.
Athlete Welfare Still Central
Beyond medals, Webborn said athlete welfare remains critical. He wants athletes to feel valued during their careers and prepared for life after sport.
Following welfare concerns after Rio 2016, UK Sport changed its funding approach. The focus shifted toward winning in a responsible way.
Webborn said success and care must go hand in hand. He believes better treatment produces stronger athletes and better people.
UK Sport now offers training, education, and apprenticeship options. These help athletes plan for life beyond competition.
Looking Ahead to Major Events
UK Sport also oversees Britain’s role as a host nation. The UK will stage several major events over the next decade.
These include the European Athletics Championships in 2026 and the football men’s Euros in 2028. Britain is also bidding for future world championships.
Webborn said the UK must think long term and remain creative. He believes hosting major events still delivers value that money alone cannot buy.
Long Term Olympic Ambition
Webborn said bringing the Olympics back to the UK remains an aspiration. He suggested a potential bid around 2040.
The Games might not return to London alone. Instead, multiple cities could co host.
He said the memory of 2012 still inspires the nation. He hopes future generations can experience something similar.
Power of Sport
Webborn, a former rugby player, suffered a spinal injury at 25. That moment changed his life and led him to work in para sport.
He later chaired the British Paralympic Association and worked across 13 Games.
He believes sport still has the power to unite people. In difficult economic times, he said shared moments of success can rebuild pride and hope.
