People around the world are expressing their shock and disbelief as the Netherlands has selected a convicted child rapist to compete in the upcoming Olympics. Steven van de Velde, 29, was sentenced to four years in prison for raping a 12-year-old British girl in 2014. However, he served only 12 months before being released.
Van de Velde met the child on Facebook and traveled to the UK to commit the heinous crime in Milton Keynes. During his sentencing, Judge Francis Sheridan noted that the athlete had been training as a potential Olympian and that his actions had shattered his dreams of representing his country.
The Dutch Olympic Committee has now announced that Van de Velde will be part of the Dutch beach volleyball squad in the upcoming Paris Games, which begin on July 26. This decision has sparked outrage and concern, with many calling for a ban on the athlete’s participation.
People took to social media to express their dismay. One Instagram user commented, “Wow… so little time for a lifetime of terrible memories for the girl and her family.” Another said, “This is ridiculous. Hopefully the British Olympic Committee finds a way to prevent this guy from competing.” Many voiced their belief that the athlete should be banned for life.
The Dutch Olympic Committee (NOC) has responded to the concerns raised by the public. According to a statement given to BBC Sport, Van de Velde received professional counseling after his release and has shown self-insight and reflection. The NOC also stated that his return to the sport follows the guidelines set by the Dutch Volleyball Federation (NeVoBo) in their ‘Guidelines Integrity Record’, which outlines the conditions for athletes to resume competing after a conviction.
The decision to include a convicted sex offender in the Olympic Games has sparked a global conversation about athlete integrity and the responsibility of sports organizations to protect the welfare of participants and the public.
