Convicted rapist causes unrest at Olympia
2014, Steven van de Velde assaulted a 12-year-old girl, 2016 he was sentenced to prison, and was released early. In 2024, he competes in Beachvolleyball at the Olympics. This leaves many people speechless.
The backdrop of the imposing Eiffel Tower is unique. But when Steven van de Velde enters the impressive Beachvolleyball stadium for his Olympic debut on a Sunday at 10 am, a dark shadow falls over the arena. The Dutchman is a convicted rapist and is confronted with his past before his opening match against the Italians Alex Ranghieri/Adrian Carambula.
A petition with nearly 90,000 signatures calls on the IOC to exclude the "child rapist" from the Games. The nomination of van de Velde along with partner Matthew Immers had already caused quite a stir.
The Dutch Olympic Committee (NOCNSF) took action. Van de Velde was housed outside the Olympic Village on his own request, and the 29-year-old would not speak to the press. The NOCNSF expressed regret "for the effects that the renewed focus on the past of Beachvolleyballer Steven van de Velde has had on many people," and took "measures to ensure as much peace as possible."
Van de Velde admits to "greatest mistake of my life"
But can there be peace in such a case? Van de Velde had raped a 12-year-old girl in England in 2014, for which he was sentenced to four years in prison in 2016 for having sex with a minor. After serving part of his sentence, van de Velde returned to the Netherlands, where the sentence was adjusted to the usual law. After 13 months, the Beachvolleyball player was free again.
"I did what I did. I can't undo it. It was the greatest mistake of my life," he once said regretfully about the heinous act. The association gives him a second chance. Meanwhile, van de Velde has also built a new life outside of sports. He studies psychology at the University of Heerlen. And he is married to Kim Behrens, sister of German football national player Kevin Behrens. Together they have a child.
But peace eludes the young family. Kim Behrens, a police officer and professional volleyball player, is heavily criticized for her relationship with van de Velde on the internet. And in Paris, the case is a real sensation. The dark shadows in the Beachvolleyball stadium next to the Eiffel Tower are unlikely to be forgiven easily.
Despite the petition with over 80,000 signatures urging the Olympic Committee to exclude van de Velde, his participation in Beachvolleyball at the Olympic Games 2024 in Paris is confirmed. This controversy surrounding sexualized violence adds an unwelcome dimension to the anticipated event in Paris.
In the midst of this controversy, Steven van de Velde, the Dutch Beachvolleyball player and convicted rapist, must face his past at the Olympic Games, potentially encountering backlash and protests.
