Steven van de Velde's Controversial Selection for Paris Olympics
The Dutch Beach Volleyball Federation has confirmed the selection of Steven van de Velde, a player with a convicted past, for the upcoming Paris Olympic Games. Van de Velde, now 29, was sentenced to four years in prison in 2016 for raping a 12-year-old girl in Britain. He served part of his sentence in Britain before being transferred to the Netherlands, where he was released in 2017 and subsequently returned to volleyball.
Rehabilitation and Reintegration
Michel Everaert, the general secretary of the Dutch Volleyball Federation (Nevobo), emphasized that Van de Velde has been fully reintegrated into the Dutch volleyball community. 'He was found guilty under English law and served his sentence,' Everaert stated. Experts consulted by Nevobo and the Dutch Olympic Committee concluded that there is 'no chance' of Van de Velde reoffending. Van de Velde himself admitted to making 'the biggest mistake of my young life' and expressed his commitment to bearing the consequences.
Mixed Reactions and Concerns
The decision to include Van de Velde in the Olympic team has sparked controversy. The British Olympic Association expressed 'grave concerns' over the Netherlands' decision, and social media reactions have been largely negative, with many questioning the morality of allowing a convicted rapist to participate in the Olympics. Despite the backlash, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) stated it would not intervene, leaving the decision to the Dutch National Olympic Committee.
- The Dutch Volleyball Federation and the Dutch Olympic Committee have been in constant contact with Van de Velde since his release. They believe he has demonstrated exemplary professional and humanitarian qualities, which justify his inclusion in the Olympic team.
- Van de Velde will be competing alongside his 23-year-old partner, Matthew Immers, as they aim to bring home a medal for the Netherlands. The Dutch Olympic Committee noted that Van de Velde sought and received professional advice following his release, which has helped in his reintegration.
- The International Olympic Committee (IOC) clarified that the selection of individual team members is the responsibility of each National Olympic Committee, and they would not be intervening in this case.
