Dutch volleyball star Steven van de Veldea convicted child rapist is set to compete in the Paris Olympics this week… and the IOC is now facing critical pressure to investigate how he managed to be included in the Games despite his dishonorable past.
Van de Velde allegedly raped a 12-year-old girl again in 2014 — when he was 19. Authorities alleged that he initially met the woman online — then flew from Amsterdam to London a short time later to have sex with her — despite being aware of her age. In 2016, he was convicted of rape and sentenced to four years in prison.
However, after serving 12 months behind bars in Britain, he was transferred to the Netherlands, where he was resentenced. Approximately a month later, he was released. After serving his sentence, he told a local media outlet that he was not a pedophile.
The Dutch Volleyball Association then allowed him to return to competition — which ultimately led to him qualifying for this summer’s Games, along with his teammate Matthew Immers.
The IOC, however, is now facing backlash for allowing him to step onto the sand at the picturesque competition grounds near the Eiffel Tower… with Ciara Bergmanthe CEO of Rape Disaster England & Wales, calling for an official investigation into the matter.
“If you can rape a child and still compete in the Olympics, despite every athlete signing a statement promising to be a role model, that’s just astonishing,” Bergman said. according to The Guardian.
“How did we get here? How did we get to a point where raping a child is seen as far less essential than the medal someone might win at the Olympics? It’s just extraordinary. I think there needs to be some kind of investigation into this and how it was allowed to happen. It needs to be a moment for real reflection and real change.”
The Dutch Olympic Committee instructed BBC must continue with its determination to incorporate Van de Velde, who authorities say has “sought and obtained expert advice” since the conviction.
“Van de Velde has remained persistently clear about the case he refers to as essentially the most significant misstep of his life. He deeply regrets the implications of his actions for those involved.”
Peter van den HoogenbandChef de Mission for the Netherlands 2024 Olympic Team, Furthermore, Van De Velde has participated in several competitions since his conviction, including World Cups.
Van De Velde — who reportedly will not speak to the press in Paris — will face Italy on Sunday in the preliminary round on the Centre Court of the Eiffel Tower.
Opposite IOC urged to examine inclusion of convicted baby rapist in Paris Games first appeared on All celebrities.