Warning: This article contains details of r*pe and sexual assault which some readers may find distressing.
Steven van de Velde, the controversial Olympian who is participating in Volleyball for the Dutch team received a hostile welcome during his first game. Read More
As previously reported, in 2016, van de Velde, a Netherlands native, was convicted of rape after meeting a 12-year-old girl on Facebook and traveling to the United Kingdom to engage in sexual activity with her.
He admitted to his crime and was sentenced to four years for three counts of child rape.
Van de Velde served part of his sentence in England before being deported to the Netherlands to complete his term, which was adjusted under Dutch law.
Despite his conviction, both the Dutch Volleyball Federation (Nevobo) and the National Olympic Committee (NOC*NSF) support his participation in the Olympics.
Van de Velde faced a hostile reception during his first match at the Paris Olympics.
The crowd at the Champs de Mars park, under the Eiffel Tower, booed loudly as the 29-year-old took to the sand court.
Van de Velde, partnered with 23-year-old Matthew Immers, competed against Italy’s Alex Ranghieri and Adrian Carambula.
Despite initial jeers and boos, van de Velde and Immers lost their opening match 2-1 to the Italian team.
Appearing unaffected by the crowd’s reaction, van de Velde played wearing the number one jersey in the Netherlands’ blue and orange colors. He removed his sunglasses only to wipe sweat from his forehead, showing no visible response to the boos.
The Dutch team lost the first set to the Italians, but managed to win the second set, prompting cheers and chants of “Nederlands” from Dutch fans. However, the Italians triumphed in the final set, securing a 2-1 victory.
Van de Velde is scheduled to play at least two more matches in the tournament, facing teams from Chile and Norway in Pool B.
Social media reactions to van de Velde taking part in the match were largely negative.
A Dutch fan wrote on x: “While normally I’m a proud Dutchie, today I’m ashamed of my country. To let Steven van de Velde play is absolutely disgraceful.
“Sport should be beautiful and have a model role, this isn’t that.”
An Italian supporter celebrated the win, writing: “What a proud moment for Italy! Alex Ranghieri and Adrian Carambula defeated child rapist Steven van de Velde and his equally disgusting supportive buddy Matthew Immers. Grazie ragazzi!”
BBC Sport journalist Laura Scott, present at the stadium, tweeted about the crowd’s reaction: “When van de Velde was individually introduced to the crowd here there was clear booing.
“Many people I spoke to outside said they were sad to see him here, saying it goes against Olympic values. But some Dutch fans said they would be supporting him as they feel he’s done his time.”
