Steven van de Velde is representing the Netherlands in the men’s beach volleyball at the Paris Olympics, but his inclusion has caused controversy given his past
The Dutch Olympics team has confessed to ‘shielding a child rapist’, with Steven van de Velde representing his country in the men’s beach volleyball event in Paris.
Van de Velde was apprehended and found guilty of raping a 12 year old girl when he was 19, receiving a four-year prison sentence.
The Dutch Olympian was released after serving just one year of his term.
Now 29 and a father himself, Van de Velde is donning his nation’s colours on the Olympic stage in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, participating in beach volleyball.
His entrance onto the court was met with a wave of boos from the Parisian crowd. His inclusion in the team has been defended by the Dutch Olympic team, with press officer John van Vliet stating: “We are protecting a convicted child rapist, yes. To do his sport as best as possible, at a tournament he qualified for.”
All Olympians are obliged to be accessible for media enquiries, but it seems special provisions have been made for Van de Velde due to his past. “Definitely a different situation for Steven has been created,” Van Vliet continued.
“We are very much aware that if we bring Steven out here, it won’t be about sport or his performance. There was a time before this, at least 100 tournaments in beach volleyball, where this never came up. He never had to do anything about it.
So, we wanted to create the environment we are used to and not make it extra-special on a stage which is even bigger for these players.”
In lieu of Van de Velde’s media absence, his teammate Matthew Immers will be handling all post-match responsibilities.Speaking about his partner’s history, Immers stated: “He had his punishment.
“And now, he’s really kind. For me, that’s a big example that you can grow. What happened in the past, is not good, of course.”
Van de Velde has opted not to stay in the Olympic Village with his fellow athletes, choosing private accommodation instead. However, it has been disclosed by the Dutch team that the 29 year old is commuting to and from the village for team meetings.
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Source: New York Post
