The Dutch Olympic Committee (NOC) has reaffirmed its decision to include Steven van de Velde in the Netherlands’ delegation for the upcoming Paris Olympics, despite his criminal record for raping a 12-year-old British girl. Van de Velde, now 29, was sentenced to four years in prison in 2016 but served only 12 months. He has since been reintegrated into professional beach volleyball with the support of the Dutch NOC, citing his demonstrated “self-insight and reflection.”

In a statement released by the Dutch NOC, Van de Velde acknowledged the scrutiny he faces. “In 2016 and afterwards, several Dutch media paid attention to the story,” he said. “I understand that in the run-up to the biggest sporting event in the world, this can attract the attention of international media.” He expressed understanding of the public interest and controversy surrounding his participation.

Van de Velde’s crime occurred in 2014 when he, at the age of 19, traveled from Amsterdam to the UK to meet the girl he had groomed on Facebook. Despite his conviction and the judge’s remark that his Olympic dreams were shattered, Van de Velde has been allowed to resume his sporting career. The Dutch NOC stated that since his release in 2017, he has undergone intensive professional counseling and has shown sufficient rehabilitation to merit his return to international competition.

“Since 2018, Steven van de Velde has been participating in international beach volleyball tournaments again following an intensive, professionally-supervised trajectory,” the Dutch NOC said. “After his release, he sought and received professional counselling. He demonstrated to those around him – privately and professionally – self-insight and reflection.”

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) distanced itself from the matter, emphasizing that the selection of team members is the responsibility of the respective National Olympic Committees. “The nomination of individual team members, following qualification on the field of play, is the sole responsibility of each respective National Olympic Committee,” an IOC spokesperson stated.

Van de Velde’s rehabilitation and Olympic qualification have been endorsed by the Dutch volleyball federation, which is responsible for setting the conditions under which athletes with criminal convictions can return to competition. The federation confirmed that Van de Velde has met all the criteria for participation in the Olympic Games.

Van de Velde, who is now married and a father, continues to express remorse for his actions. In previous statements, he has acknowledged his crime as the biggest mistake of his life but has also criticized his portrayal in the media. “I can’t reverse it, so will have to bear the consequences,” he said. “It has been the biggest mistake of my life.”

Van de Velde and his partner, Matthew Immers, are considered medal contenders in Paris, having recently defeated the world’s top-ranked pair from Sweden. The Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf questioned the appropriateness of Van de Velde’s participation in the Olympics, reflecting the divided opinions on his inclusion in the team.

The Dutch NOC’s stance highlights the complex issue of athletes’ rehabilitation and the conditions under which they can return to representing their country on the world stage.