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 intense 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 in 2014 — when he was 19. Authorities alleged that he initially met the girl online — and then flew from Amsterdam to London shortly after 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 re-sentenced. About a month later, he was released. After serving his time, he told a local media outlet that he was not a pedophile.
The Dutch Volleyball Association then allowed him to compete again — which ultimately led to him qualifying for this summer’s Games alongside his partner. Matthew Immers.
The IOC, however, is now facing a backlash for allowing him to step onto the sand at the picturesque competition venue near the Eiffel Tower… with Ciara BergmanCEO of Rape Crisis 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 shocking,” 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 less important than the medal someone might win at the Olympics? It’s just extraordinary. I think there has to be some kind of investigation into this and how it was allowed to happen. It has to be a moment for real reflection and real change.”
The Dutch Olympic Committee said BBC will continue to stand by its decision to include Van de Velde, who officials said has “sought and received professional counsel” since his conviction.
“Van de Velde has remained consistently transparent about the case, which he refers to as the most significant misstep of his life. He deeply regrets the consequences of his actions for those involved.”
Peter van den HoogenbandChef de mission for the Netherlands 2024 Olympic team, also highlighted that Van De Velde has played 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.