Convicted child rapist to represent Netherlands at Paris Olympics

A convicted child rapist will compete at the Olympics in Paris.

Steven van de Velde, 29, who was named to the Dutch beach volleyball team last month, was sentenced to four years in prison in Great Britain in 2016 following the rape of a 12-year-old girl two years earlier when he was 19, Reuters reported.

Much like in the U.S. statutory rape is defined in England as unforced sexual activity where one of the individuals is younger than the age required to consent to the behavior.

After serving part of his sentence in the UK, he was transferred to the Netherlands where his sentence was adjusted to the standards of Dutch law.

Van de Velde has been competing in beach volleyball since his release in 2017. Despite the ugly optics and criticism from rights groups, he apparently has the backing of Nevobo, the country’s volleyball federation.

“We know Steven’s history…,” said Michel Everaert, general director at Nevobo. “He was convicted at the time according to English law and he has served his sentence. From then on, we have been in constant contact with Steven, who has now been fully reintegrated into the Dutch volleyball community.”

“He is proving to be an exemplary professional and human being and there has been no reason to doubt him since his return. We fully support him and his participation in Paris, which he and Matthew have earned.”

In 2018, van de Velde told national broadcaster NOS: “I did what I did. I can’t take it back, so I will have to carry the consequences. You can judge, of course. It is the biggest mistake of my life.”

The Netherlands, which has one medal in Olympic beach volleyball history, is one of six nations with two teams in the men’s tournament.

His inclusion in Paris has left many advocacy groups concerned.

Ju’Riese Colon, CEO for the US Center for SafeSport said in a statement sent to CNN that the organization was “deeply concerned that anyone convicted of sexually assaulting a minor could participate in the 2024 Olympic Games.”

“With teams from around the world about to convene in Paris, many of which include minor athletes, this sends a dangerous message that medals and money mean more than their safety. Participation in sport is a privilege not a right,” she added.

The beach volleyball tournaments are among the most popular at the summer games. The men’s and women’s tournaments will be staged at the Eiffel Tower Stadium in Champ de Mars from July 27 to Aug. 10.