Steven van de Velde, a convicted child rapist who was selected to represent the Netherlands in beach volleyball at the upcoming Paris Olympics, has chosen not to stay in the Olympic Village.
The 29-year-old athlete, who was imprisoned for four years in 2016 after traveling to the UK to meet a 12-year-old girl he had contacted on Facebook, will instead seek alternative accommodation and avoid media duties, according to NL Times.
Van de Velde, who was 19 at the time of his offenses in Milton Keynes in 2014, admitted to three counts of rape.
Despite his conviction, he and teammate Matthew Immers were chosen for the Olympic team.
However, Van de Velde’s decision to distance himself from the Olympic Village follows significant backlash and concerns raised by various organizations, including the British Olympic Association.
The Dutch Olympic committee (NOC*NSF) and the volleyball association Nevobo have supported Van de Velde’s participation, citing his completed sentence and subsequent reintegration into the Dutch volleyball community.
Michel Everaert, general director at Nevobo, defended Van de Velde, stating that he has proven himself to be a professional and a positive influence since his return.
The NOC*NSF has implemented additional measures to address the situation and ensure the well-being of all participants, although details remain confidential. They expressed regret over the renewed focus on the issue and its impact on those affected by sexual offenses.
Van de Velde is expected to address journalists before the games to explain his decision.
