Unethical behavior by heads of sports organizations doesn't negate their positive impact on the sport's popularity or quality.
Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee, faces a dilemma over potentially allowing banned Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete.
Thomas Bach prioritizes sport over geopolitics, prioritizing human athletes' interests, giving over 400 individuals the chance to compete.
Ukraine's threat to boycott the Paris Olympics complicates Bach's situation and raises doubts about the IOC's impartiality.
Boycott of Olympics may lead to broadcasters such as NBCUniversal, who acquired exclusive broadcast rights, refusing to screen it.
Sports boycotts are common. Over 60 countries boycotted Moscow 1980, and in retaliation, Soviet Union boycotted Los Angeles 1984.
Boycott of South Africa during apartheid is often cited as an example of effective political boycotts, but its impact was largely symbolic.
Fencers protest the International Fencing Federation's decision to allow Russians and Belarusians back in international competitions.