That curious statement comes across as inappropriate. These talented students are among the best in the world. Yet, openai chose to make it about and praise themselves. That was not classy.
Surely it's meant to reassure the contestants that they're not wasting their time. They'll obviously know AI can do some of this stuff so it's a reminder that the true purpose of the competition isn't to be good at programming.
People still compete in playing musical instruments, riding horses, painting pictures, etc. All redundant because of technology but still they do it for other reasons, not the practical utility of the product of their work.
For example, almost all music listened to today is recorded, not live. It was the opposite way around 100+ years ago. Almost all portraits are photographs, not paintings, etc. The common practical uses of those skills are gone and they're relegated to small niches, luxury services, and personal pleasure.
I think they mean audio recording/reproduction, automobiles, and cameras have replaced much of what musicians, horses, and painters used to do. Similarly, AI will replace much of the thinking and problem solving done by programmers.
People still compete in playing musical instruments, riding horses, painting pictures, etc. All redundant because of technology but still they do it for other reasons, not the practical utility of the product of their work.