The Dutch Olympic Federation has disgraced itself. They have overlooked humanity and the spirit of the Olympics. The Dutch Olympic Federation are fielding a convicted child rapist in their Olympic contingent. Steven Van De Velde, a beach volleyball player for the Netherlands is a convicted child rapist. Eight years ago, a 12-year-old British girl was raped by him. Due to treaties, he was arrested and convicted to jail in the Netherlands. The athlete resumed his career only a year later after professional counseling. The Olympic Committee must immediately disqualify Van De Velde from participating in the Olympics. A convicted rapist and pedophile, this man, should not be allowed to compete. If he competes, the message from the IOC and the Dutch Federation is clear. If you’re good at playing a sport, your record is cleared of sins and crimes.
Van De Velde’s Crimes
The Dutch athlete communicated with the then 10-year-old girl via Facebook when he was 21. He flew from Amsterdam to meet her 2 years ago, and later, he was arrested on three counts, including raping a minor. Van De Velde is a disgusting human being who groomed and raped a minor girl, knowing full well the consequences. He deserves to be behind bars. He cannot be representing his country at the greatest athletic event in the world. When Sha’Carri Richardson was not allowed to compete for Marijuana consumption, why does a child rapist get to compete? the double standards are shameful. We must not allow Van De Velde to compete, despite any apologies he offers. The Dutch Federation needs to offer a public apology for selecting him in the first place.
Dutch Federation Makes Disgraceful Decision
The Dutch Federation has argued that Van de Velde has realized his mistakes and apologized and that there is no need to destroy his life because of charges from almost a decade ago. But what about the trauma that he inflicted on an 11-year-old girl? What about the psychological and physical damage his atrocious assault caused her? This is a disgraceful statement from the Dutch Federation who should be boycotted and booed at the Olympics. There is no room for rapists in sport.
