Dutch Olympian's Struggle at Paris Olympics

Dutch beach volleyball player Steven van de Velde, a convicted rapist, has revealed he contemplated withdrawing from the Paris Olympics amid escalating backlash over his participation. Van de Velde, who served 13 months in prison for raping a 12-year-old British girl in 2016, described the crime as "the biggest mistake of my life." Despite calls from victim support groups for his exclusion, the International Olympic Committee emphasized the importance of rehabilitation. In a statement, Van de Velde expressed his determination not to let public opinion dictate his choices, stating, "I don't want that. I'm not going to give others the power to decide they can bully me away." He acknowledged that the crowd's reaction during matches affected his focus and performance, admitting that he was preoccupied with external factors rather than concentrating on the game. The 30-year-old athlete, now married with a young son, recognized the ongoing criticism he faces, saying, "Someone can hold me responsible forever for what happened and that's OK." He emphasized the need to accept the consequences of his past actions, which he cannot change. Van de Velde's inclusion in the Dutch Olympic team sparked significant controversy, particularly from the British Olympic Association, which supported his decision not to stay in the Olympic Village. Despite the backlash, he and his partner, Matthew Immers, advanced to the quarter-finals before being eliminated.