Olympic Games release statement after controversial recording of convicted rapist Steven van de Velde

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is at the centre of controversy following its decision to allow Dutch volleyball player and convicted rapist Steven van de Velde to participate in the Olympic Games.

The IOC clarified that the selection of athletes for the Olympic Games is primarily the responsibility of individual national Olympic committees and not the IOC itself. This statement came in response to the uproar surrounding van de Velde’s eligibility to compete in the Paris Games.

The Dutch Olympic Committee (NOC) defended its decision, saying that van de Velde’s inclusion was in line with the guidelines of the Dutch Volleyball Association (NeVoBo). These guidelines require him to complete a special treatment program, which he has done. The NOC stated, according to BBC Sport:

“Van de Velde has fully complied with all requirements and adhered to all strict risk assessment thresholds, controls and due diligence obligations. Experts have stated that there is no risk of reoffending.

“Van de Velde has always acted transparently in this case, which he describes as the biggest misstep of his life. He deeply regrets the consequences of his actions for those involved.”

The NOC also commented to BBC Sport:

“After his release, Van de Velde sought and received professional counseling. He demonstrated self-awareness and self-reflection to those around him – both privately and professionally.”

IOC spokesman Mark Adams addressed the issue at a press conference, saying that the IOC was not entirely “satisfied and happy” with the situation, but acknowledged the care taken by the Dutch committee.

“To describe it as cozy and cheerful would not be right.

“We believe the NOC has explained its decision.

“Comfortable and happy, call it what you want, but the statement they gave us is correct and we will continue with the situation as it is.”

Van de Velde made his controversial Olympic debut in beach volleyball at the Paris Games. Along with his partner Matthew Immers, the Dutch pair, ranked 10th in the world, competed against Italians Alex Ranghieri and Adrian Carambula, but suffered a 2-1 defeat at the legendary Eiffel Tower stadium.

The audience’s reaction was polarized from the start: the cheering was overshadowed by loud boos, which were particularly loud when van de Velde was introduced individually.

Despite the crowd’s violent reaction, the usual rules of the sport were upheld and the players shook hands before and after the match. Van de Velde’s next challenge, along with Immers, is scheduled for July 31 against Chileans Marco and Esteban Grimalt.

The controversy surrounding van de Velde’s inclusion in the Dutch Olympic team escalated before the Games, reflected in a petition calling for his exclusion that received 90,000 signatures. His participation was strongly criticised by women’s rights groups and the public, with some even expressing severe disapproval.

His partner Matthew Immers, on the other hand, supported van de Velde and emphasized the commitment during their three-year partnership:

“We talked about it once and we want to enjoy every moment on this stage because we have given everything together over the last three years to qualify.

“Steven is a really nice guy. It didn’t matter to me, I played with him for two years. And now there are some people who don’t like it because it’s a big tournament.”

Van de Velde pleaded guilty in 2016 to three counts of rape of a 12-year-old British girl. The rape occurred in 2014. He was sentenced to four years in prison but was released on probation after one year.

Van de Velde himself has previously described his actions as the “biggest mistake” of his life and acknowledged the irreversible impact of his past actions. In an earlier interview quoted in the same report, he commented:

“I can’t undo it, so I’ll have to face the consequences. It was the biggest mistake of my life.”