By In a controversial decision, Steven van de Velde, a Dutch beach volleyball player convicted of raping a child a decade ago, has been selected to represent the Netherlands at the upcoming Paris Olympics.
Van de Velde, now 29, served a four-year prison sentence in England starting in 2014 for the rape of a 12-year-old girl, according to British media reports. He was released in 2017 and has since resumed his career in beach volleyball.
Michel Everaert, general director at Nevobo – the Dutch Volleyball Federation, acknowledged Van de Velde’s past in a statement, noting extensive consultations with national and international bodies before his return to competitive sports.
“He was convicted under English law and has completed his sentence. Since then, Steven has demonstrated full reintegration into the Dutch volleyball community,” Everaert stated.
Van de Velde, who spent part of his sentence in England before returning to the Netherlands, publicly acknowledged his actions in a 2018 interview with NOS, expressing remorse for what he described as “the biggest mistake of my life.”
The decision to include Van de Velde in the Olympic team has sparked debate, with Nevobo defending their support based on his rehabilitation and compliance with professional standards.
“While Steven understands the scrutiny due to his past, he is grateful for the opportunity to compete again and has met all qualifications under our guidelines,” Nevobo affirmed in a statement.
The Dutch National Olympic Committee (NOC) echoed this stance, emphasizing their adherence to stringent guidelines for athlete eligibility following convictions, and consultations with experts who deemed Van de Velde’s risk of reoffending negligible.
Despite these assurances, concerns have been raised internationally, including by Ju’Riese Colon, CEO for the US Center for SafeSport, who criticized Van de Velde’s participation as sending a “dangerous message” regarding athlete accountability and child safety in sports.
The controversy surrounding Van de Velde’s selection underscores broader debates on the intersection of rehabilitation, athlete eligibility, and public perception in competitive sports, particularly on a global stage like the Olympics.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has deferred responsibility to the Dutch NOC for athlete nominations, emphasizing the autonomy of national bodies in team selections.
As preparations for the Paris Olympics continue, the inclusion of Van de Velde highlights ongoing discussions about the ethical and legal implications of athletes with criminal backgrounds participating in high-profile international competitions.
Source: CNN
