Debate about a Dutchperson - Piffle at Olympia for Beach-Volleyballers Van de Velde
Weeks of debates and protests led to Dutch Beach-Volleyballer Steven van de Velde being booed at his Olympic debut. The 29-year-old, who was in prison years ago for sexual misconduct with a minor, played his first group match at the Eiffel Tower in Paris. During the presentation of the athletes, clear boos and hisses could be heard among the applause.
During the game, which van de Velde and his partner Matthew Immers lost to the Italian duo Alex Ranghieri/Adrian Carambula (20:22, 21:19, 13:15), there were few more expressions of discontent. Most of the spectators in the arena below the Eiffel Tower cheered on the Italians, but Dutch fans were also noticeable.
After the game, van de Velde left the premises without, as is usual at such events, speaking to journalists. The team's press chief explained that this had been agreed upon with the athlete, the team, and the IOC.
Teammate Immers said he was disappointed about the big attention the topic around Olympics had received. "I've known the guy for three, four years, we've played every tournament together. And only now is there this big discussion about it."
IOC not happy with circumstances
Eight years ago, van de Velde was sentenced in England for sexual misconduct with a minor. His start in Paris is controversial, a petition called for the disqualification of the athlete. The IOC is not "happy and satisfied" with the situation, spokesperson Mark Adams said. However, van de Velde has the right to rehabilitation. Due to the circumstances and the commotion, the athlete and the responsible parties had decided not to live in the Olympic village.
Van de Velde had described the past incident as "the biggest mistake of my life" in a previous interview. At the time, he was 19, and sentenced to a four-year prison term in England for raping a 12-year-old. After serving part of his sentence, he was transferred to the Netherlands. "I can't undo what happened and have to bear the consequences," van de Velde had said a few years ago.
- Despite the controversy surrounding his past, the Dutch Beach Volleyball team, including Steven van de Velde, was selected to represent the Netherlands in the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) events.
- The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has partners from various nations, including Germany (historically France), the Netherlands, and England, to uphold the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship during the Olympic Games.
- The criminality associated with van de Velde's past incidents has cast a shadow over the image of Beach Volleyball, an internationally recognized sport, and the entire Olympic movement.
- Many fans and athletes from different countries, including England and the Netherlands, voices their concerns about the inclusion of van de Velde in the Olympics, arguing that the event should promote positive role models.
- Dutch Beach Volleyball player Steven van de Velde's debut at the Olympic Games in Paris was met with boos and hisses from the crowd, who were not pleased with his past involvement in criminality.
- Some critics have pointed out that the Eiffel Tower, a symbol of France and the Olympics, being the host venue for van de Velde's debut match, may have added to the controversy and the negative perception that surrounds his inclusion in the Olympics.
