Drone cameras expand viewing and challenge athletes at Winter Olympics

The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics have introduced a new element to broadcasting: first-person view (FPV) drones. These drones offer viewers an unprecedented, immersive perspective on events, though some have noted the experience can be disorienting.

Drone Technology at the Games

FPV drones are being utilized across several mountain venues, including Cortina (luge, skeleton, bobsled, and Alpine skiing), Livigno (snowboarding and freestyle skiing), and Val di Fiemme (ski jumping). These drones provide a close-to-firsthand view of some of the Winter Olympics’ fastest and most thrilling sports, allowing viewers to experience the sensation of spinning through the air or hurtling down an ice tunnel. Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS) is using 15 FPV drones and 10 traditional drones, contributing to a total of 800 cameras used to broadcast the Games.

How the Drones Work

The sliding center drone debuted during the men’s singles luge runs. The drone, specially designed for the Olympics and weighing less than nine ounces, follows the slider closely, providing a unique viewing angle. OBS partnered with various drone companies worldwide, including Dutch Drone Gods, a Netherlands-based company that created the drone used at the sliding center. The drone pilots, often athletes themselves, maintain line of sight with the competitors and are supported by a team of three specialists: the pilot, the director, and the technician.

Athlete Reactions

While many athletes appreciate the new perspective, some have expressed concerns. U.S. bobsled pilot Elana Meyers Taylor found the drone view “slightly nauseating,” while American snowboarder Bea Kim noted instances where drones flew too close. However, others, like Ashley Farquharson, who won a bronze medal in women’s luge singles, believe the drones offer a “unique perspective” and make viewers feel more involved.

Drone Use Across Sports

FPV drones are being used in “more or less every sport, other than figure skating, curling and hockey.” In speedskating, FPV drones have chased skaters from behind, complementing the traditional overhead camera views. The IOC is monitoring the impact of the drones on athletes, addressing concerns about noise and proximity while emphasizing their role in attracting new viewers, particularly younger audiences.

Safety and Future Impact

All FPV drones are operated by individuals and undergo controlled crash tests to ensure safety. Pilots and OBS producers prioritize keeping drones away from athletes, allowing them to quickly move out of the way if necessary. Despite some noise complaints, most involved in the sliding events agree that the drones are a valuable tool for increasing interest in their sports, potentially leading to greater participation and fan engagement.