Topical Talk

The Winter Games: talent or technology?

Does technology improve competition?

A skier in a dynamic glitch art style against a bright blue background. The image is fragmented with vivid colors and lines, conveying speed and energy.

Published 23 January 2026

About this lesson

The 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics open in February and March, featuring 22 sports across snow and ice. From aerodynamic suits and advanced skis to performance-tracking sensors, technology is increasingly shaping top-level sport.

Where is the line between useful kit and an unfair advantage?

This resource was created for the Topical Talk Festival 2026.

Use this lesson to help students:

  • Explore how technology is used in elite sport
  • Debate whether technology supports fair competition
  • Consider the balance between innovation and human ability
Download the resource (11MB)

Skills and knowledge

  • Creativity

    Step 5: Suggesting improvements
    I create ideas to make something better
    Did you give ideas to improve your paper aeroplane?

    Step 11: Seeking perspectives
     I seek different perspectives to develop my ideas
    Did you ask for other people's ideas to improve your aeroplane?

    Step 15: Facilitating creativity
     I share creative tools for collective innovation
    Did you share creative tools in your group to create an aeroplane together?

  • Knowledge

    I know that technology is used in sport and that it changes the experience for athletes and fans.
    What is an example of when technology has changed the experience for the fans?

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