Thomas Bach Reflects on IOC Leadership as New World Order Takes Shape

As Thomas Bach prepares to step down as President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in June, he does so with an unusual sense of calm despite the shifting global landscape and growing political challenges ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Having led the IOC through pandemic-era Games, Russian doping scandals, and geopolitical crises, Bach leaves behind an organization that is financially stable with seemingly reliable future hosts. However, the next IOC president will face complex political pressures, commercial challenges, and a changing world order.

Bach’s Optimism Amid Political Tensions

Bach remains optimistic about the 2028 Olympics despite political uncertainties in the United States, particularly with Donald Trump’s views on transgender athletes and potential visa restrictions. While Trump has previously made statements suggesting visa denials based on gender interpretations, Bach remains confident that the U.S. administration will support the Games, stating:

“He likes sport, so there I don’t see a risk.”

Bach insists that the Olympics should remain politically neutral and believes that the American public values the Games as more than just a sporting event.

Defending Female Boxers Against Russian Misinformation

A recent controversy surrounding female boxers Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting, who were barred from the 2023 World Championships by the Russian-backed International Boxing Association (IBA) over eligibility concerns, has drawn Bach’s criticism. He asserted that both athletes are biological women and accused Russia of leading a misinformation campaign that falsely labeled them as transgender.

“These two women boxers have been born as women, they have been raised as women, they have competed as women, and nobody ever claimed even that they are transgender,” Bach stated.

The IOC has defended the athletes, denouncing the situation as a politically motivated attack.

A Presidency Defined by Crisis Management

Since assuming the IOC presidency in 2013, Bach has navigated multiple global crises, including:

• The COVID-19 pandemic, which forced two unprecedented Olympic Games under lockdown conditions.
• Russian doping scandals, which led to bans and heavy sanctions against Russian athletes.
• Geopolitical tensions, particularly the 2018 Winter Olympics overshadowed by North Korean nuclear threats and the 2022 Beijing Games amid China’s human rights concerns.
• The near-collapse of the Rio 2016 Olympics, where vote-buying allegations and financial mismanagement caused turmoil.

Now, with just months left in his presidency, Bach finds himself in a rare period of stability, stating:

“For the first time in my presidency, I don’t have an existential crisis of the Olympic Games or the Olympic Movement on my desk.”

Future Commercial and Broadcast Challenges

One of Bach’s biggest achievements was securing a long-term U.S. broadcast deal with NBC through 2032. However, his successor will face major decisions regarding media rights and sponsorships. With three Japanese sponsors leaving the IOC last year, the organization must refresh its corporate partnerships.

When asked about potential sponsorships from tech billionaires like Elon Musk, Bach dismissed the idea, stating:

“From what I see, he is busy with other things than to think about Olympic sponsorship.”

Additionally, streaming services have emerged as a lucrative option, but Bach emphasized the importance of keeping the Olympics accessible to all, suggesting that a free-to-air network remains crucial for broadcasting.

“The Olympic Games has to be accessible to everybody and not only the ones that can afford it.”

Russia’s Future in the Winter Olympics and Growing Nationalism

With Russia banned from all team sports in Paris 2024, questions remain about their participation in the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, especially in ice hockey, a sport favored by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Bach confirmed that his successor will decide Russia’s participation, but noted that winter sports federations that currently ban Russian athletes have been urged to review their policies.

“The mission of the Olympic Movement is to unify,” he said, suggesting that blanket bans may be reconsidered.

Meanwhile, rising nationalism and political tensions have affected sports rivalries, including boos for the U.S. national anthem at Canadian sporting events. Bach hopes that such hostilities won’t spill over into the Olympics, particularly in a likely U.S.-Canada gold medal showdown in ice hockey.

“This would not be great television and would be against Olympic values,” he warned.

Cleaning Up the Olympic Bidding Process

One of Bach’s most significant legacies will be reforming the Olympic bidding process, eliminating the vote-buying scandals that once plagued the IOC. Under his leadership, hosts were selected through a more discreet negotiation process, ensuring a transparent and scandal-free selection of future cities, including the French Alps (2030), Brisbane (2032), and Salt Lake City (2034).

“The atmosphere was just not clean, not sober. It put the credibility of the IOC in doubt,” he admitted, referring to past bidding controversies.

The Road Ahead: A Well-Earned Rest and Reflection

After a three-month transition period, Bach’s tenure officially ends on June 23—Olympic Day. When asked about his post-IOC plans, he said he intends to:

• “Sleep for the first four weeks.”
• Embark on a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, a historic Spanish route known for deep reflection.
• Seek inspiration for his future endeavors.

As Bach prepares to leave office, he does so with confidence that the Olympic Movement is stable, despite an evolving “new world order” that may challenge the unity and neutrality of future Games.

For now, his focus is on ensuring a smooth transition, leaving the next IOC president to navigate the political, financial, and social hurdles ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.