# Dutch Beach Volleyball Player and Convicted Child Rapist Draws Boos in Paris Debut
**PARIS** — The Olympic debut of Dutch beach volleyball player Steven van de Velde was overshadowed by his past as a convicted child rapist, drawing a mixed response from the crowd at the Eiffel Tower Stadium. Van de Velde, who was convicted in 2016 for raping a 12-year-old girl in 2014, faced a chorus of boos and whistles when introduced before the match, although cheers erupted from Dutch fans once the game began.
As van de Velde and his partner, Matthew Immers, took to the sand, the initial negativity transformed into support, particularly when van de Velde executed impressive plays. However, the atmosphere shifted again after their loss to an Italian team in a closely contested match.
The media scrutiny was intense, with reporters from various countries eager to question the Dutch National Olympic Committee (NOC) about van de Velde's participation. Despite the controversy, Immers expressed disappointment over the focus on van de Velde's past, emphasizing their hard work to qualify for the Olympics.
Van de Velde's history is troubling. In 2014, at the age of 19, he traveled to England to meet a girl he had befriended online, knowing her age. Their encounters led to legal action when the victim's family was alerted by a family planning clinic. At his sentencing, the judge condemned van de Velde's actions, highlighting the emotional damage inflicted on the victim.
After serving only 13 months of a four-year sentence, van de Velde returned to the Netherlands, where he was welcomed back into the volleyball community after undergoing counseling. Despite his attempts to move on, advocacy groups have called for his withdrawal from the Olympics, arguing that his participation sends a harmful message about accountability.
As the Olympics continue, the debate surrounding van de Velde's presence remains a poignant reminder of the complexities of redemption and the responsibilities of sports organizations in addressing past crimes.