The new lightweight drones are now shadowing athletes at speeds up to 75 mph
High-speed first-person view (FPV) drones at the 2026 Winter Olympics are enhancing the viewing experience for fans and drawing more attention to the games.
While aerial cameras are not new to the Olympics, the new lightweight devices are now shadowing athletes at speeds up to 75 mph, providing a 360-degree view of the competitions.
By chasing skiers and snowboarders directly down the slopes, these drones capture a strong sense of speed and intensity that traditional side-angle shots cannot match.
However, reactions remain mixed. Some viewers have complained on social media that the drones produce a high-pitched whirring sound that distracts from the events, comparing it to the noisy vuvuzelas heard during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Athletes have also reported that drones are flying too close to them during competition.
Milano Cortina Olympics Sports Director Anna Riccardi told Reuters that the drones have been tested to ensure they do not affect athletes’ performances.