Throughout his tenure, Thomas Bach has navigated the challenging intersection of sports and politics, often facing difficult decisions and dealing with some of the world’s most controversial leaders. As he prepares to step down, he leaves his successors with a clear message: keep the Olympic Games politically neutral.

Over the past 12 years, Bach has overseen an extraordinary period in Olympic history, marked by a global pandemic that led to two Games being held behind closed doors, a Russian state-sponsored doping scandal, and significant internal reforms. The Games have taken place in politically complex environments, including Russia, Brazil, South Korea, China, and France, against a backdrop of elections, wars, and geopolitical tensions.

Despite these challenges, Bach remains steadfast in his belief that the Olympics should unite people and transcend political divides. In an exclusive interview with CNN Sports, he emphasized the importance of neutrality, citing the successful participation of athletes from 206 National Olympic Committees, including the Refugee Olympic Team, at the Paris Games.

Athletes from conflict-ridden nations, including Russia, Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, and Yemen, competed peacefully, highlighting the Games’ unique role in fostering unity. However, maintaining this neutrality may prove increasingly difficult as the Olympics head to Los Angeles in 2028, amid deep political and societal divisions in the United States.

Former President Donald Trump, who was in office when Los Angeles was awarded the 2028 Games, has expressed strong support for the event. Bach believes Trump’s passion for sports will ensure his backing, despite his administration’s often confrontational approach. However, Trump’s stance on transgender athletes, particularly his executive order banning transgender women from competing in women’s sports, poses a significant challenge. The order has sparked controversy, with concerns over potential visa restrictions for athletes who do not meet the administration’s gender definitions.

The debate has intensified following Trump’s remarks about Olympic boxers Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting, falsely claiming they were transgender. This misinformation has fueled online harassment and underscored the broader culture war surrounding gender eligibility in sports. Bach condemned the attacks, emphasizing the need for factual discussions and rejecting politically motivated narratives.

Further complicating matters is the ongoing dispute between the IOC and the Russian-backed International Boxing Association (IBA), which disqualified Khelif and Lin from the 2023 World Championships. Bach accused the IBA of launching a misinformation campaign, particularly in response to the IOC’s decision to withdraw recognition of the organization.

Looking ahead to Los Angeles 2028, Bach expressed confidence that athletes like Khelif would be welcomed, believing that once the political rhetoric subsides, the Olympic spirit will prevail.

Bach’s tenure also saw strained relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, initially cordial during the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics but later deteriorating due to Russia’s doping scandal and military actions in Ukraine. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) uncovered a state-sponsored doping program, leading to sanctions against Russian athletes. While Russia condemned the punishments as unfair, the scandal remains a defining moment in Bach’s leadership.

As he hands over the reins, Bach leaves behind a legacy of resilience and commitment to the Olympic ideal of unity. However, his successor will face a world where sports and politics are increasingly intertwined, testing the very neutrality the Games strive to uphold.