Who is Steven van de Velde? The convicted rapist allowed to compete in the Paris Olympics
In 2014, when he was 19, he travelled from the Netherlands to Milton Keynes, England, where he sexually assaulted a girl he had been communicating with online.
SHAH ALAM - Dutch beach volleyball player Steven van de Velde, who was convicted of raping a 12-year-old girl a decade ago, has sparked widespread outrage and debate as he competes at the Paris Olympics.
Van de Velde, who was sentenced to four years in prison in 2014, has returned to the international stage after serving a reduced sentence.
His presence at the Games has elicited a storm of backlash and scrutiny, highlighting the ongoing debate over the boundaries of redemption and the rights of survivors.
Van de Velde's journey to the Olympics began with a grim backstory.
In 2014, when he was 19, he travelled from the Netherlands to Milton Keynes, England, where he sexually assaulted a girl he had been communicating with online.
His actions, revealed when the victim sought a morning-after pill, led to his arrest and subsequent conviction.
Despite serving only 13 months of his four-year sentence, Van de Velde's inclusion in the Dutch Olympic team has stirred significant controversy.
As the Olympic Games commenced, Van de Velde and his partner, Matthew Immers, faced mixed reactions from the crowd.
Their opening match against Italy was marred by boos directed at Van de Velde, reflecting public disapproval of his participation.
The jeers intensified during their second match, despite their victory over Chile.
The reaction highlights a broader discomfort with the idea of a convicted rapist competing on such a prestigious platform.
The Dutch Olympic Committee (NOC) has defended their decision, stating that Van de Velde met all requirements and underwent extensive rehabilitation.
The NOC's stance is that his past should not overshadow his current achievements and commitment to his sport.
However, this position has been met with sharp criticism from survivor advocacy groups and the public, who argue that his inclusion sends a troubling message about the prioritisation of athletes' second chances over the trauma of victims.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has clarified that the selection of athletes is primarily the responsibility of national committees.
This has left Van de Velde's participation a matter of Dutch discretion, with the IOC expressing its discomfort but ultimately deferring to the Dutch authorities' judgement.
This hands-off approach has been criticised by many, including some Olympic officials, who believe that more stringent criteria should be applied to ensure that such individuals do not represent their countries on the world stage.
In the midst of this controversy, Van de Velde has remained largely silent, adhering to a media blackout arranged by the Dutch team.
His partner, Immers, has expressed disappointment over the negative reception but remains supportive, emphasising their focus on achieving results together.
Despite this support, the overwhelming public reaction suggests that the issue of Van de Velde's past continues to overshadow his athletic endeavours.
This situation has sparked a broader discussion about the role of forgiveness and redemption in sports.
While Van de Velde has claimed to have undergone significant personal transformation, the emotional impact on his victim and the public perception of his inclusion raised critical questions about how society reconciles with the past actions of its athletes.
The debate continues to unfold, highlighting the complex interplay between justice, redemption, and public sentiment.
