Thomas Bach Discusses Trump, Transgender Athletes, Putin, and the Future of the Olympic Movement in a Divided WorldAs he prepares to step down as head of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach has weighed in on the challenges facing global sport, from geopolitical friction to societal hot-button issues.
In a wide-ranging interview, he commented on Donald Trump’s potential return to the U.S. presidency, transgender participation in sport, Russia’s place in the Olympic arena, and the Olympics movement’s place in a divided world.
Trump’s Possible Impact on the OlympicsWith the prospect that Donald Trump may return to the White House in 2025, Bach acknowledged that changes in politics in big countries always influence the Olympics. Even though the former U.S. president has criticized global institutions, Bach also reinforced the importance of leaving the Olympics out of geopolitics.”The Olympic Games have to be a uniting factor,” Bach stated. “Whatever government is governing in a country, we need to unite the people in sport and not to engage ourselves into political conflicts.”
Under Trump’s previous term, US ties with international sports agencies were at times distant, yet Bach stated that the IOC would work with whatever new administration aims to host any Games, including Los Angeles 2028.
Transgender Athletes and Inclusivity
The issue of participation of transgender athletes remains one of the most contentious in the sports arena today. Bach repeated the IOC’s promise to balance fairness and inclusion, differentiating that it is then left to the sports federations to decide their eligibility rules and uphold human rights.
“This is a very sensitive issue which needs to be considered with cautious scientific and ethical deliberation,” concluded Bach. “We want to provide fair competition while upholding individual dignity.”
The IOC has placed this responsibility reshaping the norm where national federations will also create regulations, a measure that has made the variety of responses in praise or criticism from various quarters.
Russia, Putin, and the Olympics War Effect
Perhaps the largest thorn in Bach’s side has been the IOC’s response to the invasion of Ukraine. The organization initially imposed harsh penalties, only to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under neutral flags.
When asked about Vladimir Putin’s continuing flouting of international rules, Bach backed the IOC’s position while stressing that “the athletes should not be punished for the actions of their governments.” He did say, however, that tensions are still high and future regulations on participation may vary against geopolitical realities.
The Olympic Games as Uniters
At a time when the division in the world is increasing, Bach is convinced the Olympics have a vital role to play in promoting debate and thus securing peace.
“The Olympics are one of the few occasions where the world can end up together beyond political lines,” he purported. “We need to protect that spirit.”
As Bach walks away, he leaves behind an equally divided legacy of controversy and diplomacy and faith in the ability of sport to transcend world’s barriers.
