People around the world are in shock after learning that the Netherlands has chosen a convicted child rapist to represent them in the upcoming Olympics.
Olympic Slot for Convicted Abuser
Steven van de Velde, a 29-year-old athlete, was sentenced in March 2016 to four years in prison for raping a 12-year-old British girl. However, he only served 12 months of that sentence before being released.
In 2014, at the age of 19, Steven van de Velde committed this crime after meeting the young victim on Facebook. He traveled to the UK and committed the assault in Milton Keynes.
When sentencing him, Judge Francis Sheridan remarked, “Prior to coming to this country you were training as a potential Olympian. Your hopes of representing your country now lie as a shattered dream. Your actions have wrecked your life and you could have been a leader in your sport.”
Now, to the surprise and dismay of many, the Dutch Olympic Committee has declared that van de Velde will be part of the Dutch beach volleyball team for the Paris Games, set to start next month on July 26.
Reactions have been strong and immediate. One Instagram user commented, “Wow… so little time for a lifetime of terrible memories for the girl and her family.”
Another reaction was, “Are you joking me?! This is ridiculous. Hopefully the British Olympic Committee finds a way to prevent this guy from competing.”
Yet another outraged user added, “So inappropriate and unacceptable. Disgusting,” and a final one said, “He should be banned for life!”
In response to the growing concerns, the Dutch Olympic Committee (NOC) issued a statement to BBC Sport saying that van de Velde had received professional counseling after his release. They noted that he had shown self-insight and reflection both privately and professionally.
The NOC also pointed out that Van de Velde’s return to professional sports adhered to the guidelines set by the Dutch Volleyball Federation (NeVoBo) in their ‘Guidelines Integrity Record,’ which stipulates the conditions for athletes to resume competing after a conviction.
If reading this has brought up any difficult feelings or if you are in need of support, please reach out to the Rape Crisis England and Wales helpline at 0808 500 222, available 24/7. If you’re in immediate danger or require urgent medical assistance, call 999.
