Convicted child molester qualifies for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris; fans outraged

The Olympic Games 2024 in Paris is once again at the centre of controversy as a convicted child molester has made it into the national beach volleyball team and is set to represent the Netherlands at the biggest sporting event in the world.

Steven Van de Velde29, was sentenced to four years in prison in 2014 for the rape of a 12-year-old girl. He pleaded guilty to three counts of rape of a child. It was later revealed that he had met the girl after a trip from Amsterdam in August 2014.

He was released in 2017. Seven years later, Steven Van de Velde will participate in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris despite his past.

Steven Van de Velde is on the Olympic team for Paris 2024

Accordingly BBCVan de Velde served part of his sentence in England before being transferred to the Netherlands. He was later released and resumed his playing career in 2017.

Despite being a convicted rapist, Steven Van de Velde has been selected to represent the Netherlands in beach volleyball at this summer’s Olympic Games in Paris.

“We know Steven’s story,” said Michel Everaert, general director of the Dutch volleyball association Nevobo, in a statement via CNN.

Dutch Olympic Committee defends volleyball selection

After extensive discussions with the Dutch National Olympic Committee (NOC), the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) and Van de Velde, they decided to allow the volleyball player to represent the Netherlands.

“He was convicted under English law at the time and has served his sentence. Since then, we have been in constant contact with Steven, who is now fully integrated into the Dutch volleyball community,” Everaert continued. “He is proving to be an exemplary professional and person and since his return there has been no reason to doubt him.”

In 2018, the Olympic candidate broke his silence on his actions: “I did what I did. I can’t undo it, so I will have to face the consequences. You can of course judge. It is the biggest mistake of my life.”

Decision triggers outrage among social media users

Unsurprisingly, social media users were not happy with the decision to allow Van de Velde to compete. “It’s an age-old tale: a rapist with athletic talent is given free rein to pursue his professional career,” wrote one X-user after hearing the news.

“A four-year sentence wasn’t enough, but then she only served one year and now she can start,” said another. “This girl’s life has been changed forever by this monster. How can this be justice?”

“It’s absolutely disgusting that the @Olympics are allowing Steven Van de Velde to compete,” said a third. “He should be serving a life sentence, not competing for Olympic medals.”

Steven Van de Velde releases statement

Following the news, Van de Velde broke his silence and told the world that he was grateful for the chance to take part in the world’s biggest sporting event.

“I understand that this can attract international media attention ahead of the biggest sporting event in the world,” said the 29-year-old. “Because of the second chance I was given by my parents, my friends, acquaintances and colleagues, who accepted me again after the biggest mistake of my then young life.”

“I am also grateful to the Dutch Volleyball Association because they offered me a future in this beautiful sport again with clear conditions and agreements,” he continued. “But I also think back to the teenager I was, who was insecure, not ready for a life as a top athlete and unhappy inside because I didn’t know who I was and what I wanted.”

CEO of the US Center for SafeSport breaks his silence

While the Dutch National Olympic Committee and the International Volleyball Federation defended their decision to allow the 29-year-old to compete, Ju’Riese Colon, CEO of the US Center for SafeSport CNN The organization is “deeply concerned that any person convicted of sexual abuse of minors could participate in the 2024 Olympic Games.”

“The fact that teams from all over the world are meeting in Paris, including many underage athletes, sends a dangerous message that medals and money are more important than their safety. Participation in sport is a privilege, not a right,” she added.

The 2024 Olympic Games in Paris begin on July 26.