Child Rapist Volleyball Player Poses with Young Fans at Tournament

Steven van de Velde, a volleyball player previously convicted of raping a 12-year-old girl, was seen posing for selfies with young girls at a tournament in The Hague, just days after expressing frustration over media backlash from the Olympics. Van de Velde, who served only 12 months of a four-year sentence for his crimes, was photographed happily interacting with fans, including children as young as five, following a match where he and teammate Matthew Immers secured a victory. The scene at the beach stadium starkly contrasted with van de Velde's experience during the Olympics in Paris, where he faced significant hostility and was kept under tight security to prevent media interactions. He described the media coverage of his past as a "shame," arguing that it has negatively impacted his family and teammates. Van de Velde acknowledged the controversy surrounding his participation in sports, questioning whether someone with his history should be allowed to compete at such levels. Since his release from prison, van de Velde has rebuilt his life, marrying Kim Behrens in 2022 and welcoming a son. His defense during the trial highlighted the severe impact of his conviction on his sporting career, as he was labeled a rapist. Following his conviction, he was transferred to the Netherlands to serve the remainder of his sentence, where his charges were adjusted under a treaty, changing the term from rape to "fornication."