Yahoo Sport 
Glitz and glamour at Yahoo Sports Technology Awards
Tech talks, panel discussions and a whole host of sporting innovations were on the menu at the 2018 Yahoo Sports Technology Awards.
With 15 main awards up for grabs and 12 categories for startups, last week’s awards, held in Camden, followed an afternoon of business leaders showcasing the best in tech-led sporting innovation.
A panel discussion that featured rugby referee Wayne Barnes and former jockey Mick Fitzgerald looked at how technology can significantly improve the mental and physical wellbeing of athletes across a wide range of sports.
Rebecca Hopkins, CEO of the awards, spoke of her excitement at being able to combine fascinating technological innovations with those that can be a force for positive change in sport.
She said: “In the tech talks we’ve learnt about really forward-thinking ways of using artificial intelligence and showcased some cutting-edge technology.
“With the panel discussion, athlete welfare is one of those hot topics at the moment and while there is a lot of technology, there is not enough.
“Technology can solve so many questions for us, like how we can treat concussion and head trauma.”
Hopkins was similarly excited by the prospect of partnering with Yahoo Sport, envisaging a positive mix of insight into the biggest innovations in sports technology and Yahoo’s global audience of sports fans.
Nicholas Petche, editor in chief of Yahoo UK said: “It exposes us to all the exciting talent and it gives people an opportunity to understand and learn the developments that are at the cutting edge of the industry.
“The north star for us is always ‘what does the fan want?’, it’s about getting a great experience in front of the fans.
“Everything is available now so how do you make that different?
“Sky using squiggles on the screen was innovative, now it’s normal.
“Each generation has an innovative take on what they would like to see and it’s important to stay sharp as to what is out there.”
This year was the fifth cycle of the STAs, which enjoys ever-increasing global support from all facets of the international sports sector. For more information about the Sports Technology Awards, visit www.sportstechnologyawards.com
