Volleyball Player Convicted Of Raping A 12-Year-Old Qualifies For Paris Olympic Games

Beach volleyball player Steven van de Velde is set to represent the Netherlands at the upcoming Paris Olympics, despite a prior conviction that once seemed to have ended his Olympic aspirations.

Van de Velde, now 29 years old, was sentenced to four years in a Dutch prison in 2016 after he confessed to three counts of rape involving a child.

Despite the severity of his crimes, he only served 12 months before he was released.

The crimes occurred in 2014 when Van de Velde, who was 19 at the time, met a 12-year-old on Facebook.

He traveled to the UK and committed the rapes at a location in Milton Keynes.

At the time, the presiding judge warned Van de Velde that his actions had likely ruined his chance to fulfill his Olympic dreams.

Van de Velde was sentenced to four years in prison back in 2016. Pablo Morano / BSR Agency / Getty Images

During his sentencing, Judge Francis Sheridan said to him: "Prior to coming to this country you were training as a potential Olympian. 

"Your hopes of representing your country now lie as a shattered dream. 

"Your actions have wrecked your life and you could, had you never come to England and committed these offences, have been a leader in your sport."

Contrary to the judge's predictions, however, Van de Velde has now secured a spot in the national team and will compete at the 2024 Paris Olympics with teammate Matthew Immers.

His inclusion in the team has sparked controversy and concern, prompting a response from the Dutch Olympic Committee (NOC). 

Speaking to BBC Sport, the NOC stated: "After his release, Van de Velde sought and received professional counseling. He demonstrated to those around him—privately and professionally—self-insight and reflection."

According to the NOC, Van de Velde's return to the sport aligns with the standards set by the Dutch Volleyball Federation (NeVoBo) in their 'Guidelines Integrity Record', which outlines the conditions under which athletes can resume competing after a conviction.

He said it had 'been the biggest mistake of my life'. Mario Hommes / DeFodi Images via Getty Images

Van de Velde has made several statements regarding his past actions and the media attention they've drawn. 

He commented through the committee: "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."

Previously, Van de Velde had expressed remorse to Dutch media: "I can't reverse it, so will have to bear the consequences. It has been the biggest mistake of my life."

However, his stance appeared to shift in 2017 after he had served a quarter of his sentence. 

He said: "I do want to correct all the nonsense that has been written about me when I was locked up.

"I did not read any of it, on purpose, but I understand that it was quite bad, that I have been branded as a sex monster, as a paedophile. 

"That I am not, really not. Everyone can have their opinion about me, but it is only fair if they also know my side of the story."