Steven van de Velde, facing camera, was convicted for the rape of a 12-year-old child after admitting to the crime Steven van de Velde, facing camera, was convicted for the rape of a 12-year-old child after admitting to the crime. Photo: Andrea Kareth/APA-PictureDesk via AFP
Dutch beach volleyball player and convicted child rapist Steven van de Velde will not be allowed to enter the Olympic Village for the duration of the games in Paris.
According to reports, the Dutch Olympic Committee have organised separate accommodation for Van de Velde, who was convicted in 2016 for the 2014 rape of a 12-year-old girl.
Van de Velde met the child over Facebook, and travelled to her home in the UK while her parents were away. He then raped her several times after giving her alcohol. He was 19 at the time.
His arrest and extradition to the UK led him to miss out on the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. He admitted to the crime, and was handed a four-year jail sentence. He was released after serving just one year.
After his punishment, Van de Velde returned to the sport, and was subsequently included in the Dutch Olympic team for the Paris games.
Women’s and sports rights groups have reacted in anger over his inclusion, with an activist saying: “His participation sends a message to everyone that sporting prowess trumps crime."
However, the Dutch Olympic Committee are convinced van de Velde has been rehabilitated.
"After his release, Van de Velde sought and received professional counselling. He demonstrated to those around him — privately and professionally — self-insight and reflection," they said in a statement, according to the BBC.
Former swimming star and head of the Dutch delegation to the Paris Games, Pieter van den Hoogenband, said he was "surprised at the agitation around" the athlete.
"He has been active in international sport and the world of beach volleyball for a long time," Van den Hoogenband told broadcaster NOS.
"He has participated in World Cups, European Championships and World Cups, but you see that around the Games it is different. Things are amplified around the Games.
"We have taken good steps together. All the athletes are dear to me and I try to support them," said the former swimmer, who believes Van de Velde is "holding on strong despite the turmoil".
IOL Sport, additional reporting by AFP