Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Marie Claire
Marie Claire
Lifestyle
Mischa Anouk Smith

How did a convicted child rapist end up at the Olympics?

Van de Velde Olympics Steven van de Velde BSR Agency IOC Paris
Paris, France. 28th July, 2024. PARIS, FRANCE - JULY 28: Steven van de Velde of the Netherlands competing in the Men's Preliminary Phase during Day 2 of Beach Volleybal - Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Eiffel Tower Stadium on July 28, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Joris Verwijst/BSR Agency) Credit: BSR Agency/Alamy Live News.

Male athletes convicted of crimes against women and girls are still allowed a place on the podium - it’s time we demanded better role models.

Steven Van de Velde, a Dutch volleyball player, arrived in Paris ahead of the Olympic Opening Ceremony safely ensconced by security personnel. The cause for his extra protection? A conviction for raping a 12-year-old British schoolgirl. Despite his crime, Van de Velde has been allowed to compete in this year’s Games and will receive special dispensations—such as avoiding any media duties—because of it.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Check Your Pantry: These 10 Foods May Belong in the Refrigerator
A bottle of ketchup beside the stove or hot sauce tucked into a pantry cabinet might seem perfectly normal. But some everyday foods have storage instructions that change once you open them, and others benefit from refrigeration even when it isn’t strictly necessary. The confusion often comes from the difference…
Grocery Coupon Guide
Grocery Coupon Guide
Drew Barrymore: I don't know how to retire
Drew Barrymore has revealed she doesn't have strict retirement plans
BANG Premier
BANG Premier
What’s the Oldest Thing in Your House You Still Use Every Day?
The oldest thing in your house might not sit behind glass or carry a sentimental story. It could be the skillet you grab for eggs, the wooden spoon that has survived three kitchen remodels, or the desk lamp that somehow refuses to die.
Clever Dude
Clever Dude
7 Foods From Your ’80s Childhood That Aren’t Made the Same Way Anymore
If you grew up in the 1980s, you probably remember the bright orange macaroni and cheese, the sweet taste of your favorite soda, and snacks that seemed to make every afternoon better. Some of those familiar products are still available, but the versions on store shelves today may not be…
Grocery Coupon Guide
Grocery Coupon Guide
Brooklyn couple uncover 1901 coal log tied to family history while restoring an 1880s house
James and Laureta Gale found a 1901 coal delivery schedule during their renovation of a historic lodging house. Their discovery connects to James's family history with coal delivery in Brooklyn. The couple is transforming the 1880s building into an 11-room guesthouse with modern amenities. They are also preserving original features…
The Times of India
The Times of India
A couple told a North Carolina woman they were only feeding the turtles, then she turned her camera to the pond
The woman kept on throwing food into the water.
We Got This Covered
We Got This Covered
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.
Download on the AppStore Get it on Google Play