Convicted child rapist given strict measures to follow during Olympics which most other athletes don’t abide by
When news broke last month that a convicted child rapist would be representing his country at the 2024 Paris Olympics this year, naturally, the sporting board faced a tsunami of backlash from horrified spectators.
Amid the criticism, however, organisers of the sporting tournament are seemingly still defending their decision to allow 29-year-old Steven van de Velde to compete, by insisting that 'strict measures' have been placed upon him for protection.
It's been 10 years since the Dutch beach volleyball player travelled from his home in the Netherlands to the UK in order to meet up with an underage child he'd met on the internet.
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As per his own confession - which came two years later, in March 2016 - van de Velde was 19 at the time, and had met a 12-year-old child at an address in Milton Keynes, where he proceeded to rape them.
Despite being found guilty of his crime following a harrowing trial, the sportsman only served a total of 12 months out of his four year sentenced before being released early and subsequently signed to represent his nation in beach volleyball.
Naturally, the decision has sparked mass controversy, with millions of spectators demanding to know how the Dutch Olympic Committee (NOC) and wider organisation have allowed a convicted rapist to take part in the prestigious games.
Tragically, however, countless representatives of the tournament - as well as the Netherlands team boss Pieter van den Hoogenband and several of the ex-convict's teammates - have defended van de Velde's rights to play.
In an attempt to comfort sickened spectators, the NOC has today insisted that extreme measures have been implemented to ensure that the rapist remains separate from all other competitors, after his safety was called into question.
According to The Athletic, van de Velde's arrival into the French capital via train was flagged by a colossal team of security, who escorted him to an alternative hotel room in the city.
His coach, Van den Hoogenband, also revealed that the former convict would remain housed in a separate accommodation, away with the Olympic village, in which all other competitors were residing.
Another spokesman for the Dutch committee told press on Thursday (25 July: "We are implementing concrete measures to ensure a safe sporting environment for all participants.
"These measures include, at the request of van De Velde, alternative accommodation for van De Velde and no media contact during his stay in Paris."
After the news broke last month about van de Velde's participation in the games, the sex offender told press he was 'not happy' that this 'black period' in his life had resurfaced.
He said: "That’s obvious, but I also understand that this is just part of it. In 2016 and afterwards, several Dutch media also paid attention to the story.
"I understand that in the run-up to the biggest sporting event in the world, this can attract the attention of international media."
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact the Rape Crisis England and Wales helpline on 0808 500 222, available 24/7. If you are currently in danger or need urgent medical attention, you should call 999.
Topics: Crime, True Crime, Olympics, Sport
Rhianna Benson