Visually impaired Ukrainian biathlete Maksym Murashkovskyi dedicates Paralympic silver to ChatGPT: “My coach and psychologist”

At the Milan-Cortina 2026 Paralympics, Maksym Murashkovskyi, a young visually impaired Ukrainian biathlete, wrote a unique page in sporting history. Having climbed onto the podium in the men’s individual para biathlon for the visually impaired, he won the silver medal and, with a gesture that got the world talking, he dedicated his success to ChatGPT, the artificial intelligence that has supported him over the last six months.

“For the last six months I have been training with ChatGPT ” said the athlete, explaining that the system was not just a technical analysis tool, but a real preparation companion:

I have used it as a psychologist, coach and sometimes even as a doctor.

Digital training: half the preparation

Murashkovskyi revealed that artificial intelligence helped draw up about half of the training plan, motivating him in moments of decline and helping him manage strategies, exercises and mental preparation.

It wasn’t just a question of tactics. It was half of my training program, my motivation, etc. So it was an important part of all my preparation.

The athlete, who had already won a bronze medal at the 2023 World Championships, chose to integrate digital support with human support, specifying that AI will not completely replace traditional coaches, at least for the next five to ten years:

Maybe not immediately and completely but I believe that in the next 5-10 years it can partially replace the work of many people in this field.

An indispensable help in difficult times

The decision to rely on a virtual assistant also arises from logistical needs, linked to the continuing war in Ukraine. Murashkovskyi was thus able to continue training, overcoming the obstacles linked to travel and restrictions, with a virtual guide always ready to correct and motivate.

I’ve been preparing for this race for years and ChatGPT has given me a huge hand, I really believe in this path.

A future between sport and technology

The silver won by the Ukrainian is a concrete example of how artificial intelligence can enter the world of elite sport. Murashkovskyi demonstrates that technology, used with intelligence and discipline, can become a decisive ally, between innovation and resilience.

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