The Olympic president warns of perilous future for global sport as Paris Games begin
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IOC President Thomas Bach holds a scarf during the inauguration of the Olympic Truce Wall in the Olympic Village at the 2024 Summer Olympics on Monday in Paris, France.David Goldman / AP -
Palestinian swimming athlete Valerie Rose Tarazi flashes the V sign during the inauguration of the Olympic Truce Wall in the Olympic Village at the 2024 Summer Olympics on Monday in Paris.David Goldman / AP
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PARIS — When long-time International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach talks about international sport, he typically paints a glowing picture of the power of peaceful competition.
"They are about togetherness, hope, solidarity, equality, dignity," Bach said in a speech on Monday.
But in a stark shift in tone, Bach also warned the Olympic movement is threatened by wars and other dark changes in the world.
He described the shifts in global diplomacy as unprecedented since World War II.
"The trends are unfortunately clear," Bach said. "Decoupling of economies, narrow self-interest trumping the rule of law. In this new world order, cooperation and compromise are sadly considered disparaging terms."
Bach has long argued that in order to preserve the Olympic movement in this dangerous shifting landscape, the IOC has to maintain strict neutrality.
Many critics view that posture as an excuse for the IOC not taking a hard enough line against countries like Russia whose athletes use performance-enhancing drugs systemically.
It also means the IOC often partners closely — and benefits financially — with non-democratic and authoritarian governments, including China and Saudi Arabia.
But in speeches, Bach argued that if the IOC takes sides in a troubled world where there are "way too many wars and conflicts" half the countries that now participate in the Olympics might drop out.
Bach's controversial balancing act means athletes from Russia and Ukraine will compete in Paris. So will Israeli and Palestinian athletes.
There is also a "team" of 37 refugees, many from African and Middle Eastern countries, representing displaced persons around the world.
But as global diplomacy grows more complex — and more divisive — it’s not clear Bach's approach can keep everyone at the Olympic table.
Ten years ago, Russia was a major Olympic partner and funder, hosting the Winter Games in Sochi. Now, following doping scandals and the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, only a few Russian athletes are set to compete in Paris under tight restrictions.
Organizers here are on high alert for possible disruptions, disinformation or cyberattacks launched by Moscow.
Bach was asked on Tuesday if his organization has any line of communication to Russian officials.
"I can answer with one word - No," Bach said. "There is no contact with the Russian authorities on these issues."
Which means despite Bach’s efforts at neutrality, rising global tensions are already being felt inside these Olympic Games.
Transcript
MICHEL MARTIN, HOST:
Some Olympic competitions get underway even before Friday's opening ceremony along the Seine River in Paris. Soccer and rugby matches start today. But even as these 2024 summer games begin, the world's top Olympic official is warning of future threats to the games. NPR's Brian Mann reports from Paris.
BRIAN MANN, BYLINE: In a series of speeches this week ahead of the competitions, Thomas Bach, the longtime president of the International Olympic Committee, laid out his long-standing vision of sport as a force for good in the world.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
THOMAS BACH: They are about togetherness, hope, solidarity, equality, dignity, peace.
MANN: But in a dramatic shift in tone, Bach also warned the Olympic movement is, by his account, threatened by wars and other dark changes in the world, unprecedented, he says, since World War II.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
BACH: The trends are unfortunately clear - decoupling of economies, narrow self-interests trumping the rule of law. In this new world order, cooperation or compromise are sadly considered disparaging terms.
MANN: Bach argued, in order to preserve the Olympic movement in this dangerous, shifting landscape, the IOC has to maintain strict neutrality. Critics have long argued that's an excuse for the IOC not taking a hard enough line against countries like Russia that use performance-enhancing drugs systemically or a tough enough stance with authoritarian governments like China. Bach argued the IOC taking sides in such a troubled world could mean half the countries dropping out of the Olympic games.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
BACH: There are way too many wars and conflicts in the world.
MANN: That means athletes from Russia and Ukraine will compete here in Paris. So will Israeli and Palestinian athletes. But it's not clear this controversial approach can keep everyone at the Olympic table. Ten years ago, Russia was a major Olympic partner and funder. Now, only a handful of Russian athletes are set to compete, and organizers here are on high alert for possible disruptions or cyberattacks by Moscow. Bach was asked yesterday if his organization has any line of communication to Russian officials.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
BACH: I can answer with one word - no. There is no contact with the Russian authorities on these issues.
MANN: Despite Bach's efforts at neutrality, these rising global tensions are being felt inside these Olympic games.
Brian Mann, NPR News, Paris.
(SOUNDBITE OF SUFF DADDY AND EMILIO MARTIN'S "ACTUALLY DEFINITELY YEAH") Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
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