Steven van de Velde Booed at Paris Olympics for Past Crime

Steven van de Velde, a Dutch beach volleyball player, was booed by the crowd during the Netherlands’ first match at the Paris Olympics. The match took place at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, where van de Velde and his partner Matthew Immers were defeated by the Italian duo Alex Ranghieri and Adrian Carambula.

Van de Velde’s participation has caused controversy due to his past conviction for raping a 12-year-old girl in 2014, for which he served four years in prison. Despite criticism, the International Olympic Committee defended his inclusion, stating he has undergone significant rehabilitation.

Matthew Immers defended his teammate, saying, “What’s in the past is in the past. He had his punishment and now he is really kind. For me, it is an example that he grew and learned a lot from it.”

Ju’Riese Colon, CEO of the US Centre for SafeSport, expressed concern over van de Velde’s participation, stating, “This sends a dangerous message that medals and money mean more than safety. Participation in sport is a privilege, not a right.”

French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera also voiced her shock, saying, “As a woman, I am shocked to imagine that someone that has raped a little girl is at the Olympics. The decision to select an athlete is taken by the NOC, not the French state.”