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Reason convicted child rapist is allowed to compete in 2024 Paris games as he gets booed on Olympic debut

Home> News> Sport

Published 11:56 28 Jul 2024 GMT+1

Reason convicted child rapist is allowed to compete in 2024 Paris games as he gets booed on Olympic debut

Steven van de Velde was sentenced to four years in prison

Anish Vij

Anish Vij

The inclusion of a convicted child rapist in this year's Olympics has raised questions over how he has been able to compete in the sporting event.

Steven Van de Velde, 29, previously admitted to three counts of rape against a 12-year-old British girl.

The Dutch volleyball player met the girl on Facebook and travelled from Amsterdam to the UK in 2014 to meet her.

The move to allow him to compete has received backlash (Joris Verwijst/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
The move to allow him to compete has received backlash (Joris Verwijst/BSR Agency/Getty Images)

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He was subsequently sentenced to four years in prison in 2016, serving just 12 months.

On Sunday (28 July), Van de Velde was met with boos as he appeared alongside his teammate Matthew Immers.

The pair were up against Italian duo Alex Ranghieri and Adrian Carambula.

Italy came out on top in the Olympic volleyball match with a three-set victory (22-20/19-21/15-13).

Van de Velde left the arena on his own and is understood not to be staying in the Olympic Village at his own request.

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He will also not be taking part in the usual post-match mixed zone interviews.

Why is Steven Van de Velde is allowed to compete?

His debut was met with boos (Joris Verwijst/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
His debut was met with boos (Joris Verwijst/BSR Agency/Getty Images)

His inclusion in the Games has been backed by the Dutch Olympic Committee, who believe Van de Velde has been successfully rehabilitated.

They said in a statement: "Van de Velde has fully engaged with all requirements and has met all the stringent risk assessment thresholds, checks and due diligence.

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"Experts have stated that there is no risk of recidivism.

"Van de Velde has consistently remained transparent about the case which he refers to as the most significant misstep of his life.

"He deeply regrets the consequences of his actions for those involved.

"After his release, Van de Velde sought and received professional counselling.

"He demonstrated to those around him - privately and professionally - self-insight and reflection."

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International Olympic Committee spokesperson Mark Adams added: “I think a crime occurred some time ago, 10 years ago.

“A great deal of rehabilitation has taken place, and there’s very strong safeguarding in place also, and I believe… the athlete in question is not even staying in the village.

“So we feel that the Dutch National Olympic committee have explained their decision.

“Comfortable, happy, you can characterise it how you want but we feel that the statement that they’ve given us is correct and we will continue with the situation as it is.”

If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact the Rape Crisis England and Wales helpline on 0808 500 222, available 24/7. If you are currently in danger or need urgent medical attention, you should call 999.

Featured Image Credit: Joris Verwijst/BSR Agency/Getty Images

Topics: Olympics

Anish Vij
Anish Vij

Anish is a Journalist at LADbible Group and is a GG2 Young Journalist of the Year 2025. He has a Master's degree in Multimedia Journalism and a Bachelor's degree in International Business Management. Apart from that, his life revolves around the ‘Four F’s’ - family, friends, football and food. Email: [email protected]

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@Anish_Vij

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