Steven van de Velde, a Dutch volleyball player and convicted child rapist, faced a hostile reception during his debut match at the Paris Olympics. Van de Velde, who was convicted in 2016 for raping a 12-year-old girl and sentenced to four years in prison, was booed by the crowd at Champs de Mars Park under the Eiffel Tower. Despite the negative reaction, he played alongside his partner, Matthew Immers, against Italy’s Alex Ranghieri and Adrian Carambula, losing the match 2-1.
Van de Velde’s participation in the Olympics has been controversial, with both the Dutch Volleyball Federation (Nevobo) and the National Olympic Committee (NOC*NSF) supporting his inclusion despite his criminal past. Social media reactions have been largely negative, with many expressing shame and disbelief that he was allowed to compete. Some Dutch fans voiced their disappointment, while others argued that he had served his time and deserved a chance to participate.
Boos -and some applause – as Steven van de Velde, who was convicted of raping a 12-year-old British girl when he was 19, enters the Stadium with his partner Matthew Immers. The boos were more audible when he was later introduced separately #PARIS2024 pic.twitter.com/yJGjxXKzE9
— Alexandra Topping (@LexyTopping) July 28, 2024
During the match, van de Velde appeared unaffected by the crowd’s boos, focusing on the game. He and Immers managed to win the second set, prompting cheers from Dutch fans, but ultimately lost the match in the final set. Van de Velde is scheduled to play at least two more matches in the tournament against teams from Chile and Norway in Pool B.
BBC Sport journalist Laura Scott reported on the mixed reactions from the crowd, noting that while many were disheartened by van de Velde’s presence, some Dutch supporters felt he had paid his dues. The situation has sparked a broader conversation about the intersection of sports, ethics, and rehabilitation, highlighting the complexities of reintegration for individuals with serious criminal histories.
