Steven van de Velde is set to represent the Netherlands at the Olympics this summer (BSR Agency/Getty)
The Netherlands have selected Steven van de Velde, a convicted child rapist, on their volleyball team for the Olympics this summer.
The 29-year-old was jailed for four years in March 2016 for raping a 12-year-old British girl in Milton Keynes in 2014.
After being sentenced, Judge Francis Sheridan told Van de Velde: ‘Prior to coming to this country you were training as a potential Olympian. Your hopes of representing your country now lie as a shattered dream.’
He was released in 2017 after serving only 12 months in prison in the Netherlands.
Van de Velde then resumed his career in beach volleyball and will represent the Netherlands alongside his 23-year-old partner Matthew Immers at the Olympics in Paris.
Steven van de Velde will partner with Matthew Immers in the volleyball in Paris (BSR Agency/Getty)
The Dutch Volleyball Federation (Nevobo) has supported Van de Velde’s inclusion at the Games this summer.
‘We know Steven’s history. Before he expressed his desire to return to beach volleyball at the time, we spoke extensively with him but also with NOC*NSF and the international volleyball federation FIVB, among others,’ said Michel Everaert, general director at Nevobo.
‘He was convicted at the time according to English law and he has served his sentence. From then on, we have been in constant contact with Steven, who has now been fully reintegrated into the Dutch volleyball community. He is proving to be an exemplary professional and human being and there has been no reason to doubt him since his return. We fully support him and his participation in Paris, which he and Matthew have earned.’
The Dutch Olympic Committee (NOC) said in a statement: ‘After his release, Van de Velde sought and received professional counselling. He demonstrated to those around him – privately and professionally – self-insight and reflection.’
In a statement provided by the NOC, Van de Velde said: ‘In 2016 and afterwards, several Dutch media also paid attention to the story. I understand that in the run-up to the biggest sporting event in the world, this can attract the attention of international media.’
Meanwhile, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which governs the Olympics, has said it will not intervene.
‘The nomination of individual team members, following qualification on the field of play, is the sole responsibility of each respective National Olympic Committee. Therefore, we would refer to the Dutch NOC for any further information,’ a statement read.
According to The Times, the British Olympic Association has ‘grave concerns’ overthe Netherlands’ decision.
The British Olympic Association has ‘grave concerns’ overthe Netherlands’ decision (Getty)
Van de Velde, who was 19 at the time of the rape, contacted the 12-year-old victim on Facebook before travelling from the Netherlands to the UK in order to meet.
Van de Velde pleaded guilty to three counts of rape and wept in court after learning about the schoolgirl’s subsequent self-harm and overdose.
His own defence lawyer, Linda Strudwick, said: ‘He’s lost a stellar sporting …read more
Source:: Metro
