The algorithmic athlete: Forecasting socio-technical transformations and human symbiosis with artificial intelligence in elite sports

While existing literature emphasizes the theoretical performance benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) in elite sports, the lived experiences, socio-technical negotiations, and future societal implications of this integration remain underexplored. Addressing this gap, this study employs an abductive, qualitative methodology utilizing the Gioia approach to analyze AI integration within elite sports ecosystems. Relying on the concept of information power, this research draws upon in-depth interviews with ten world-class informants, including Olympic and Paralympic champions as well as highly specialized medical staff. The findings reveal four core theoretical dimensions: (1) the algorithmic mediation of the biological body, (2) human-AI strategic symbiosis, (3) the data-driven reconfiguration of organizational trust, and (4) systemic implementation barriers. By conceptualizing these dimensions, the proposed model shifts the academic focus from isolated performance metrics to the holistic restructuring of high-stakes organizations. This paper forecasts the future trajectory of the algorithmic athlete, critically examining the risks of data surveillance, human intuition erosion, and the potential emergence of a technological divide. Empirically, this research provides actionable foresight for policymakers and sports managers to design robust ethical frameworks, ensuring equitable, transparent, and sustainable human-AI collaboration in future organizational models.