CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, Italy — New to the Olympics this year, drones are providing some incredible point-of-view shots of the Games.
In person, as a spectator, make no mistake, you are very aware of the drones.
Athletes are aware of them, too.
To get the shots we see on TV, the flying cameras are often really, really close and flying really, really fast.
They are small — and before you see them, you may hear them — buzzing that distinct drone buzz.
They are controlled by a pilot nearby, wearing goggles to see what the camera sees. In competition, where focus is paramount, how do athletes feel about them?
Some weren't so sure at first, but everyone who KSL spoke with has come around.
"I think everyone is a bit more at peace now, knowing it's a professional drone driver," said Kaillie Armbruster Humphries, of Team USA bobsled.
"As long as they're safe and they don't hit anybody, they're fine by me," said Breezy Johnson, of Team USA Alpine skiing.
"The skill of those drone pilots is just phenomenal, and it gets a really unique perspective," said Frank Del Duca, of Team USA bobsled.
"I love the drones. I think the shots are so cool. I feel like it adds another element for spectators," said Jacqueline Wiles, of Team USA Alpine skiing. "And I saw a funny comment of people saying it looked a little like Mario Kart, so I think that's fun. Thank God, no banana peels," she added, laughing.
Flown by pros. Unique angles. It seems drones are going to be a permanent feature of future Olympics — at least until the next new tech comes along.
