The decision by the Dutch Olympic Committee (NOC) to include convicted rapist Steven van de Velde in the Netherlands’ beach volleyball squad for the Paris 2024 Games has ignited a firestorm of controversy. The choice has raised significant concerns and prompted a broader debate about ethics and inclusion in sports.

Steven van de Velde, now 29, was convicted in 2016 for the rape of a 12-year-old British girl. The crime, which occurred in August 2014, involved van de Velde traveling from Amsterdam to Milton Keynes, where he sexually assaulted the victim.

After serving just 12 months of his four-year sentence, van de Velde resumed his volleyball career. His recent selection for the Dutch Olympic team, alongside playing partner Matthew Immers, has sparked a heated reaction.

In previous interviews, van de Velde has expressed deep remorse for his actions, stating, “I can’t reverse it, so I will have to bear the consequences. It has been the biggest mistake of my life.” Despite his apology, the decision to reintegrate him into competitive sports has been met with skepticism.

The NOC has defended its choice, stating that van de Velde returned to the sport after completing a specialist treatment program.

The committee emphasized that he had met all necessary risk assessment criteria and had undergone thorough evaluations by experts who found no risk of recidivism. The NOC further noted that van de Velde had sought professional counseling and demonstrated self-insight and reflection on his actions.

Pieter van den Hoogenband, the Netherlands’ chef de mission, addressed the controversy in a Dutch television interview. He acknowledged the sensitivity of the situation, emphasizing the need to support van de Velde as a member of the team.

Van den Hoogenband also highlighted that van de Velde had been moved to alternative accommodation outside the athletes’ village and would not be available for media interactions during the Games.

The selection has drawn criticism from various quarters. Anna Meares, the Australian Olympics team chief, stated unequivocally that a convicted rapist would not be selected for her country’s team. “If an athlete or staff member had that conviction they would not be allowed to be a member of our team,” Meares asserted, underscoring Australia’s stringent safeguarding policies.

Leading safe sport organizations, including the Sport & Rights Alliance Athletes Network for Safer Sports, The Army of Survivors, and Kyniska Advocacy, have called for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to disqualify van de Velde from the Games.

Kate Seary, co-founder and director of Kyniska Advocacy, criticized van de Velde’s inclusion, saying, “His participation sends a message to everyone that sporting prowess trumps crime.” Similarly, Julie Ann Rivers-Cochran, executive director of The Army of Survivors, argued, “An athlete convicted of child sexual abuse should not be awarded the opportunity to compete in the Olympic Games.”

Joanna Maranhao, network coordinator of the Athletes Network for Safer Sports, voiced concerns about the potential harm van de Velde’s participation could cause to survivors of similar crimes. She added, “Athletes who compete at the prestigious level of the Olympic Games are often perceived as heroes and role models – van de Velde should not receive this honor.”