Many people believe that Steven Van de Velde, convicted child rapist and Dutch beach volleyball player, should not be allowed to compete in the Paris Olympics. The audience's reaction to his first match seemed to confirm this, as he was booed before his match on Sunday, July 28, 2024, per the Associated Press. The outlet noted that some people still cheered for Van de Velde when he was introduced, but the crowd's reaction to teammate Matthew Immers was much more positive since no one booed him.
Van de Velde, 29, was convicted of child rape in 2016. He was sentenced to four years in prison, but spent 13 months in prison instead, reports The New York Times.
Before meeting the 12-year-old girl that he raped, he spoke to her on social media for some time. He initially thought she was 16 years old, reports The New York Times, but continued to speak to her after finding out that she was 12. He was 19 years old at the time.
He flew to England to meet up with the girl in August 2014. Afterwards, when the girl went to a clinic to get a morning-after pill, which he had told her to do after not using contraception when raping her, the clinic informed the girl's family and the police since she was only 12 years old, reported Time. After being released from prison, Van de Velde reportedly claimed that at the time that he raped the girl, he was young and "still figuring things out," per The New York Times.
More from LittleThings: Olympics Commentator Bob Ballard Fired Over Sexist Comment About Female Swimmers
Van de Velde's sentencing was reduced due to differences in the law in Britain and the Netherlands. He served part of his sentence in Britain before being transferred to the Netherlands, where his sentence was reduced. According to a statement posted to the Dutch Volleyball Federation website, the Dutch Volleyball Federation (Nevobo), "supports Van de Velde's participation in Paris."
The statement included some quotes from Van de Velde, who previously called the crime he committed "the biggest mistake of my life."
"I cannot reverse it, so I will have to bear the consequences. It has been the biggest mistake of my life," he said.
The statement also claimed that Van de Velde received counseling after his prison sentence and "has demonstrated to those around him — privately and professionally — self-insight and reflection."
The Dutch Olympic committee said "Van de Velde now meets all the qualification requirements for the Olympic Games and is therefore part of the team," reports AP.
Because Van de Velde qualified for the Olympics, the International Volleyball Federation said it was not able to stop him from participating, according to the outlet.
Van de Velde's participation in the Olympic Games has been met with backlash. A petition titled "Disqualify Convicted Child Rapist Steven Van De Velde from the Olympics" was started on Change.org. It has garnered over 122,000 signatures as of July 29.
"The tarnished record of Van De Velde should not be swept under the rug, nor should it stand as a symbol of achievement at an event as prestigious as the Olympics," the petition reads. "This is about more than just one person; it's about the worldwide image of the Olympics and the kind of society we want to live in."
On social media, many others were disgusted that he was allowed to compete.
"I cannot believe I have to write this but raping a 12 year old should disqualify you from the Olympics," one person wrote on X. "I am calling on
@nocnsf to reverse the decision to include Steven van de Velde on the beach volleyball team."
Another person on X wrote: "Dutch media (@NOS tonight) keeps on saying olympian Steven van de Velde was convicted for 'having sex with 12 yo girl', while int'l media uses correct term: rape."
"No idea why the f— people say rape allegations ruin men’s lives when not even the exceedingly rare convictions do," another person wrote on the platform in response to Van de Velde's participation in the Paris Olympics.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, the National Sexual Assault Hotline provides confidential 24/7 support. Call 800-656-HOPE (4673) or chat online at RAINN.
