The Dutch Olympic Committee Dutch Sports Federation (NOCNSF) has sparked significant controversy by announcing that a convicted child rapist will be part of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
Who is Steven van de Velde?
Steven van de Velde, 29, will represent Team NL in beach volleyball alongside Matthew Immers. Despite widespread opposition and petitions to disqualify him, the NOC*NSF is standing by their decision.
Van de Velde’s Volleyball Career
- 2011: Won the Under-20 Dutch National Championships
- 2015: Partnered with Michiel van Dorsten at the European Games
- 2018: Finished third at the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour with Dirk Boehlé
His Criminal Record
In 2014, van de Velde, then 19, was convicted of raping a 12-year-old girl in the UK. He was sentenced to four years in prison and released in 2017, after which he resumed his volleyball career.
NOC*NSF’s Position
The NOC*NSF issued a statement defending their decision:
“He was convicted at the time according to English law and he has served his sentence. From then on, we have been in constant contact with Steven, who has now been fully reintegrated into the Dutch volleyball community. He is proving to be an exemplary professional and human being and there has been no reason to doubt him since his return. We fully support him and his participation in Paris, which he and Matthew have earned.”
This decision has shocked many, leading to calls for van de Velde’s removal from the team. The hope is that the petitions will succeed in overturning this controversial choice.
