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.
