The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has found itself at the center of controversy following the decision to include Dutch volleyball player and convicted rapist Steven van de Velde in the Olympic Games.
The IOC clarified that athlete selection for the Olympics primarily falls under the jurisdiction of individual national Olympic committees rather than the IOC itself. This statement came in response to the uproar surrounding van de Velde’s eligibility to compete in the Paris games.
The Dutch Olympic Committee (NOC) has defended its decision, stating that van de Velde’s inclusion adheres to the guidelines set by the Dutch Volleyball Federation (NeVoBo). These guidelines stipulate that he completes a specialist treatment program, which he has done. The NOC stated, as quoted by BBC Sport:
“Van de Velde has fully engaged with all requirements and has met all the stringent risk assessment thresholds, checks and due diligence. Experts have stated that there is no risk of recidivism.
“Van de Velde has consistently remained transparent about the case which he refers to as the most significant misstep of his life. He deeply regrets the consequences of his actions for those involved.”
The NOC also commented to BBC Sport:
“After his release, Van de Velde sought and received professional counselling. He demonstrated to those around him – privately and professionally – self-insight and reflection.”
Mark Adams, spokesperson for the IOC, addressed the issue during a press conference, revealing that the IOC was not entirely “comfortable and happy” with the situation but acknowledged the due diligence performed by the Dutch Committee.
“To characterise it as comfortable and happy would not be correct.
“We feel the NOC have explained their decision.
“Comfortable and happy, characterise it how you want, but the statement that they have given to us is correct and we will continue with the situation as it is.”
Van de Velde made his controversial Olympic debut in beach volleyball at the Paris Games. Alongside his partner Matthew Immers, the Dutch pair, ranked 10th globally, faced off against Italy’s Alex Ranghieri and Adrian Carambula but suffered a 2-1 defeat at the iconic Eiffel Tower Stadium.
The audience’s reaction was polarized from the outset with cheers overshadowed by the substantial boos, particularly audible when van de Velde was introduced individually.
Despite the visceral audience reaction, the standard sportsmanship protocols persisted with players shaking hands both before and after the match. Van de Velde’s next challenge, alongside Immers, is scheduled against Chile’s Marco and Esteban Grimalt on July 31.
The controversy surrounding van de Velde’s inclusion in the Dutch Olympic team escalated prior to the games, evidenced by a petition demanding his exclusion, which drew 90,000 signatures. His participation has been widely criticized by women’s rights groups and the general public, with some expressing severe disapproval.
Conversely, his partner, Matthew Immers, backed van de Velde, emphasizing the dedication over their three-year partnership:
“We talked about it one time and we want to enjoy every moment on this stage because we gave everything together for the past three years to qualify.
“Steven is a really nice guy and for me, I played two years with him, there was nothing and now there is some people that don’t like it because it is a big tournament.”
Van de Velde pled guilty in 2016 to three counts of rape of a 12-year-old British girl which took place in 2014. He was sentenced to four years in prison but was released on licence after one year.
Van de Velde himself has previously described his actions as the “biggest mistake” of his life, acknowledging the irreversible impact of his past actions. He commented in a previous interview, quoted in the same report:
“I can’t reverse it, so I will have to bear the consequences. It has been the biggest mistake of my life.”
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