A child rapist who has been convicted is representing the Netherlands at the Paris 2024 Olympics and faced a mix of boos and scattered applause as he entered the court for his first beach volleyball match on Sunday.
Steven van de Velde, convicted in 2016 for raping a 12-year-old girl, lost his opening match alongside partner Matthew Immers. His participation in the Olympics has ignited controversy in Paris, with victims’ advocacy groups claiming that his inclusion sends a harmful message to potential offenders and could cause “collateral damage” to survivors of sexual abuse.
As Van de Velde was announced to the audience at the Eiffel Tower Stadium in central Paris, significant boos could be heard, though cheers arose when his teammate Immers stepped onto the court prior to their match against Italy.
As the two players entered the arena together, a mix of boos and cheers greeted them, but when Van de Velde was introduced solo, the jeers intensified. While some muted applause emerged for him, there were no cheers. As he made his way onto the sandy court adjacent to the Eiffel Tower, he raised his arm in acknowledgment.
The Italian team, comprising Alex Ranghieri and Adrian Ignacio Carambula Raurich, won the first set 22-20. The Dutch team responded by taking the second set 21-19, but ultimately lost the decisive third set 15-13 to the Italians.
Van de Velde, now 29, was sentenced to four years in prison in 2016 after admitting to the rape of the British girl. He had traveled to England to meet her in 2014, fully aware of her age, as they had met on Facebook. Van de Velde spent 12 months in a British prison before being transferred back to the Netherlands, where he was released after an additional month.
The audible boos directed at Van de Velde are quite rare at the Olympics, especially in such a grand venue where spectators had previously enjoyed Mexican waves and cheered for dancers between matches.
Two Dutch fans shared that they purchased tickets for the event a year and a half ago before the controversy erupted. Anna from Utrecht, who chose not to reveal her surname, remarked: “I think he has served his punishment, so now he should be given a fresh start.”
Her friend Jesper, who also withheld his last name, noted that the incident has sparked significant debate among the Dutch populace. “The crime he committed is undeniably sensitive,” he explained. “That’s why people find it difficult; we have discussions about whether we should cheer him on or not. It would be different if it were any other Dutch athlete; we wouldn’t even be having this conversation.” He expressed that he believes Van de Velde has paid his dues and should be allowed to compete, stating: “While it’s natural to respond with emotion, we also have to uphold the legal system.”
This week, the International Olympic Committee faced calls to investigate how Van de Velde was permitted to participate in the Paris 2024 Games. In an email reviewed by the Guardian, a senior Dutch Olympic Committee official assured that Van de Velde is not a paedophile, addressing concerns raised by a British citizen living in the Netherlands.
The concerned individual labeled Van de Velde’s inclusion as “a stain on the Dutch national team.” The Dutch Olympic Committee’s spokesperson responded, stating: “Steven is NOT a paedophile; you really believe the Dutch NOC would send someone to Paris who poses a real risk? No, he isn’t a risk.”
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It is reported that Van de Velde has chosen not to stay in the Olympic Village and has been permitted to skip post-match mixed zone interviews.
The International Olympic Committee has clarified that eligibility for competition is determined by each nation’s Olympic committee. When asked if the IOC felt “comfortable and happy” with Van de Velde’s involvement, spokesman Mark Adams stated: “I think characterizing it as ‘comfortable and happy’ would be misleading.” He continued: “A crime occurred a decade ago, significant rehabilitation has taken place, and there are stringent safeguarding measures in place; moreover, the athlete in question isn’t even residing in the village.”
The Dutch Olympic Committee issued a statement indicating that it has implemented “concrete measures” to ensure a safe environment for all participants at the Games in light of Van de Velde’s participation.
They confirmed that Van de Velde has complied with all necessary requirements and passed rigorous risk assessment standards, asserting that there is no risk of reoffending. The committee stated: “Van de Velde has been continuously transparent regarding the case, which he describes as the most significant mistake of his life. He sincerely regrets the impact of his actions on those involved and has openly shared his personal growth as a result.”
Furthermore, they expressed their regret over the “unforeseen renewed focus, particularly on social media, for those grappling with trauma from sexual offenses and harmful behavior.”
