The world of figure skating is on the brink of an exhilarating transformation, all thanks to the visionary approach of coach-turned entrepreneur Victoria Drazdova. In 2022, Drazdova founded Victory Sports Academy, a global online training platform that connects athletes with world-class coaches at the click of a button. VSA has seen tremendous growth and success over the past sixteen months, and with the integration of cutting-edge AI technology into the company’s proven training program, Drazdova’s brainchild is set to become a trailblazer in the industry.
“It’s an exciting time,” said Drazdova. “For our athletes, for our coaches, for the families with whom we partner, the future is bright and the possibilities are endless.”
A former high-level figure skater, Drazdova understands the challenges of training from an athlete’s perspective. “It’s tough, especially at a high level,” she said. “It takes so much hard work and dedication to make real progress.” And as a coach, she grew to understand the challenges of empowering athletes to take their skills to the next level.
According to Drazdova, one of the most daunting challenges in figure skating, for both athletes and coaches, is quantifying the speed of rotation during jumps and precisely identifying the crucial moments of take-off and as well as landing. “Until now, it has been impossible to measure these factors with absolute precision, even at the highest level,” she said. However, with the remarkable capabilities of Artificial Intelligence, Victoria Drazdova and VSA aim to conquer these obstacles and take performance measurement to new heights.
Through AI-driven motion tracking, VSA’s coaches will be equipped with a level of precision that was once unimaginable. The AI algorithms will seamlessly capture and analyze skaters’ movements mid-air, offering invaluable insights into the speed and rotations during jumps. This newfound accuracy will be instrumental in refining techniques, as coaches will be able to detect even the subtlest areas for improvement and make data-driven coaching decisions.
But, according to Victoria Drazdova, the potential benefits of AI don’t stop there.
With AI-enabled analysis of take-off and landing moments, VSA coaches will be able to offer tailored feedback to each skater. By honing in on these critical instants, coaches can provide targeted guidance, empowering skaters to achieve optimal execution and grace in their routines. “With the help of AI, our world-class coaches can help our athletes pioneer new frontiers in the world of figure skating,” Drazdova said.
VSA’s commitment to innovation knows no bounds. By embracing AI technology, they are not only pushing the boundaries of performance measurement but also elevating the overall figure skating experience. As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to evolve and improve, VSA team is poised to remain at the forefront of this revolution, continuously refining and enhancing their AI capabilities. The ongoing evolution of AI technology serves as a dynamic partner in VSA’s journey. The collaborative synergy between human innovation and technological progress is an ongoing narrative, one in which VSA plays a central role. The continual refinement and enhancement of their AI capabilities ensure that VSA’s athletes and coaches are equipped with the most cutting-edge tools, empowering them to achieve even greater heights.
Embracing this AI-driven precision is more than just a competitive advantage for VSA; it’s a testament to their dedication to the sport and the athletes they serve. With AI as their ally, VSA is leading the way into a future where figure skating reaches unparalleled levels of accuracy, creativity, and performance excellence. The synergy of AI and figure skating catalyzes a renaissance in performance measurement and coaching methodologies. The once-elusive speed of rotation and the pivotal instants of take-off and landing, shrouded in mystery, are now on the brink of unveiling their secrets. As AI-driven insights seamlessly blend with the artistry of figure skating, a new era dawns—one characterized by unparalleled precision, refined techniques, and the unearthing of hidden potential. Victoria Drazdova’s audacious endeavor, manifested through VSA, champions this transformative fusion, poised to propel figure skating to dazzling heights.
Their audacious journey into the world of AI-enabled figure skating performance measurement is nothing short of a landmark in sports innovation. As the final strains of music fill the air and skaters take their positions, the promise of a new dawn beckons—a future where AI and human endeavor unite, forever altering the trajectory of figure skating and the very essence of what is possible. As we eagerly anticipate the exciting new era of AI-enabled figure skating, one thing is certain: VSA’s innovative approach will inspire skaters, coaches, and fans alike, and set a new standard for what’s possible in this captivating world of artistry and athleticism.
“The sky is the limit,” Drazdova said, smiling. “Like I said, it’s an exciting time for everyone involved. I cannot wait to see what incredible things VSA’s athletes and coaches will achieve with the help of AI.”