Where innovation meets inclusivity

Susan St. Denis, a 26-year-old US student at Tsinghua University, agreed. She pointed out that while some AI technology can predict team success rates, many instances in sports have shown humans exceeding expectations.

"I think that's the incredible thing with the Olympics," she said.

St. Denis referenced a well-known incident in Olympic speed skating where an Australian athlete, who wasn't expected to win, emerged victorious after falls by other competitors. "AI can't predict that," she said. "I'm sure there might be some controversies around using AI as people try to figure out how to make it as accurate as possible."

In addition to technological advancements, the Olympics also serves as a platform for promoting sports and introducing new events.

For example, break dancing made its debut in Paris, while skateboarding and sport climbing, which premiered at the Tokyo Games in 2021, are returning as Olympic sports this year.

"I would say the Olympics is getting more and more diverse," said Stefanie Perner, a 21-year-old German student at Tsinghua University and a passionate skateboarder.

Initially drawn to skateboarding for its appeal, Perner soon realized that every impressive trick was the result of countless attempts and falls. "When you finally land that trick, it's not about how cool it looks anymore," she said.

"To me, skateboarding is a culture. It's a way to express yourself. It's also an art. Showcasing skateboarding at a huge event like the Olympics would help people accept this sport and see the beauty in it."

Knowles expressed his hope for Chinese martial arts to be included as an Olympic event. According to him, the appeal of Chinese kung fu lies not only in its combat techniques but also in its philosophy. One such principle involves the responsible use of strength, as he explained, "I'm strong enough to hurt someone, but I don't use my strength for that purpose."

He believes that Chinese martial arts offer a wealth of benefits as both a cultural tradition and a competitive sport. "It's a pity that not everyone in the world has seen it yet," Knowles said. "If Chinese martial arts become an event in the Olympics, people can experience ancient Chinese culture in a modern setting."