Steven Van de Velde, convicted of child rape, became emotional during his first interview after his controversial involvement in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The 30-year-old volleyball star, convicted of raping a 12-year-old British girl, served only one year of a four-year sentence. In 2014, the Dutch athlete was found guilty of three counts of sexually abusing the child in Milton Keynes. National selectors chose him for the team, believing he had served his time and earned an early release from prison.
Despite this, Van de Velde was met with a cold reception in Paris. On August 4, he and his partner, Matthew Immers, were eliminated in the round of 16.
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In an interview with a Dutch newspaper over a week after his exit from the tournament, Van de Velde revealed that he had considered not competing in the Olympics at all and unexpectedly criticized the media for their coverage of his case.
“I definitely thought about it, yes. I did something wrong, ten years ago. I have to accept that,” the Dutch athlete lamented during the interview.
“But hurting people around me – whether it’s Matthew [his volleyball partner], my wife, my child… that just goes too far for me. That’s definitely a moment where I thought, is this worth it?” he added.
Regarding his participation in the Olympics, the IOC stated that it was unable to stop the Netherlands from sending Van de Velde, as he had qualified through the usual channels. This was despite demands from victim advocates to exclude him from the games.
Steven van de Velde raped a 12-year-old girl. He is an Olympic LOSER. No one feels sorry for you, you little bitch. https://t.co/0sSPrbVTES
— shabazx (@Shabazx76542347) August 13, 2024
Steven Van de Velde
In August 2014, at the age of 19, Van de Velde raped a 12-year-old British girl at a home in Milton Keynes. In 2016, he was sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to the charges.
Despite the judge’s stern warning that his sentence would be “career-ending,” Van de Velde resumed his volleyball career after serving just 12 months in jail.
Since his release from prison, Van de Velde has managed to significantly turn his life around. He is now married to Kim Behrens, a well-known German volleyball player and police officer.
The couple, who tied the knot in 2022, share a son. Behrens, who deeply loves her six-foot-six husband, often posts romantic photos of their life together on social media.
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