Dutch volleyball player convicted of raping a child won't stay in Paris Olympic Village

Beach volleyball player Steven van de Velde will not stay with the other athletes representing the Netherlands at the Olympics in Paris. There has been a lot of controversy regarding Van de Velde's participation, as he was convicted and sentenced to four years in prison by an English court in 2016 for the statutory rape of a minor in 2014. He was allowed to serve the sentence in the Netherlands, where he was released after spending one year behind bars.

The 29-year-old and Dutch sporting organization and Olympic committee NOC*NSF decided together that Van de Velde will still participate in the Olympics, but he will reside elsewhere during the sporting event. The change in housing is meant to ensure more calmness. Van de Velde also will not speak with journalists during the event.

NOC*NSF and the volleyball association Nevobo expressed their support for Van de Velde last month. Now that attention continues to be paid to his participation, including from other countries, the sports association felt forced to take additional measures.

"NOC*NSF have come to these measures after discussions with the beach volleyballer and his teammates. Several other measures relate to, among other things, the supervision of beach volleyball players. In the interests of the people involved, no further announcements will be made about this. With this, the NOC*NSF hopes to contribute to a sense of calm for the participants at the Games. NOC*NSF regrets the impact of the unforeseen renewed attention for everyone who suffers from trauma due to sexual offenses and inappropriate behavior," said NOC*NSF.

Van de Velde confessed in 2016 that he engaged in criminal sexual activity with the girl on three occasions in 2014. He was 19 at the time, and knew how old the girl was when it happened. He also gave her alcohol. He was extradited to United Kingdom in 2016.

After his punishment, Van de Velde returned to the sport. "That was possible after a professionally supervised process and under conditions that NOC*NSF imposes on athletes after a conviction. Experts declare that the chance of recidivism is nil," says NOC*NSF.

"Van de Velde has always been open about the case and the developments he has been through since then. He called it the biggest mistake of his life and regrets its effects on everyone involved. Since returning to top sport, he has participated in all the international tournaments. Nevertheless, his intended participation in the Olympic Games has led to renewed reporting in the international (social) media."