Dutch beach volleyball player Steven van de Velde, convicted of raping a 12-year-old girl in 2016, made a controversial Olympic debut in Paris on July 28, 2024, amid a chorus of boos from the crowd. Van de Velde, 29, was sentenced to four years in prison but served only 13 months before being released and allowed to resume his volleyball career in 2017.The decision by the Dutch Olympic Committee to include Van de Velde in the national team has sparked outrage and debate. Women’s rights groups and anti-violence organizations have expressed shock and disappointment over his participation. An online petition calling for Van de Velde’s exclusion from the Olympics garnered over 90,000 signatures.Despite the controversy, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Volleyball Federation stated they were powerless to prevent the Netherlands from sending Van de Velde to Paris after he qualified through the international tour. The Dutch Olympic Committee has implemented strict measures, including housing Van de Velde outside the Olympic village and prohibiting him from speaking to the media.Van de Velde’s teammate, Matthew Immers, defended his participation, stating, “What’s in the past is in the past”. However, spectators and activists remain divided on the issue of rehabilitation versus the message sent by allowing a convicted rapist to compete on the global stage.The controversy has also affected others associated with the Olympics. Former Team GB runner Paula Radcliffe apologized for initially wishing Van de Velde “best of luck,” later stating it was a mistake not to clearly denounce his crime.As the tournament progresses, the debate continues about the balance between rehabilitation, second chances, and the integrity of the Olympic Games.
Key points
- Steven van de Velde, convicted of child rape in 2016, made his Olympic debut in beach volleyball amid controversy.
- The Dutch Olympic Committee allowed Van de Velde to compete despite widespread criticism and an online petition.
- The International Olympic Committee and Volleyball Federation stated they couldn’t prevent Van de Velde’s participation.
- The incident has sparked a debate about rehabilitation versus the integrity of the Olympic Games.
Contradictions👾There are slight discrepancies in the reported length of Van de Velde’s prison term, with some sources stating he served 12 months and others reporting 13 months.
👾The exact number of signatures on the petition against Van de Velde’s participation varies, with reports ranging from 90,000 to 95,000.
