A Dutch beach volleyball player who served time in prison for raping a child 10 years ago has been selected to represent the Netherlands at the upcoming Olympics in Paris. Steven van de Velde, now 29, was sentenced to four years in prison in 2014 for the crime, which occurred when the victim was 12 years old.
The Dutch Volleyball Federation, Nevobo, has confirmed that they are aware of van de Velde's history and have been in constant communication with him since his return to the sport. According to Nevobo's general director, Michel Everaert, van de Velde has been fully reintegrated into the Dutch volleyball community and has shown exemplary professionalism since his return.
In a statement released by Nevobo, van de Velde expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete at the Olympics and acknowledged the support he has received from his family, friends, and colleagues. He also reflected on his past actions, calling them the biggest mistake of his life.
The Dutch NOC and the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) have consulted experts who have deemed van de Velde's chance of recidivism to be minimal. Both organizations have expressed their support for van de Velde's participation in the Olympics, citing his compliance with the guidelines set forth for athletes returning to professional sports after a conviction.
Van de Velde has been gradually returning to international competition since 2017 under the guidance of probation and coaching experts. He now meets all the qualification requirements for the Olympic Games and has been deemed eligible to compete by the Dutch NOC.
The International Olympic Committee has stated that the nomination of individual team members is the responsibility of each National Olympic Committee, and they have deferred to the Dutch NOC for further information regarding van de Velde's participation in the Games.
