Controversy Surrounds Dutch Olympian's Participation in Paris Games

Steven van de Velde, a Dutch beach volleyball player, is set to compete in the upcoming Paris Olympics despite a conviction for raping a 12-year-old British girl. His playing partner has publicly defended him, describing Van de Velde as “like a second father” and emphasizing their strong bond both on and off the field. The partner, who is 23, acknowledged the age difference but insisted that their relationship remains unchanged. Van de Velde's journey to the Olympics has raised eyebrows, particularly given the nature of his past. He traveled to the UK in 2014 at the age of 19 to meet his victim. Despite the serious allegations against him, he has received backing from the Dutch Olympic Committee and the national volleyball federation, which assert that he has fulfilled all qualification requirements and undergone a rigorous rehabilitation process. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has distanced itself from the decision to allow Van de Velde to compete, stating that they had no role in his selection and that “special extra safeguarding” measures are in place. Dutch swimming legend Pieter van den Hoogenband defended the decision, asserting that the athlete has shown a positive response to rehabilitation and that the committee is committed to supporting him. In contrast, Australian Olympic team chief Anna Meares emphasized her country’s strict safeguarding policies, noting that any athlete with a similar conviction would not be permitted to join their team. She refrained from commenting on the selection processes of other nations, highlighting the importance of maintaining safety and integrity within the Olympic framework.