Who is Steven van de Velde? All About the Convicted Rapist competing at the Paris Olympics

Steven van de Velde, born on August 8, 1994, is a Dutch beach volleyball player who has recently attracted significant attention due to his criminal past.

Van de Velde was convicted of child rape in 2016 and has been a controversial figure following his inclusion in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Volleyball Career

Van de Velde began his volleyball career with notable achievements, including winning the Under-20 Dutch National Championships in 2011.

He represented the Netherlands at the 2015 European Games with partner Michiel van Dorsten and secured a third-place finish at the 2018 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour with Dirk Boehlé.

In June 2024, Van de Velde qualified to compete in the Olympics alongside partner Matthew Immers. Despite his qualification, the Dutch Olympic Committee opted not to house him with other athletes in the Olympic Village and barred him from interacting with the media.

The Committee has stated that Van de Velde’s participation was based on his qualifications and past achievements.

Criminal Conviction

In August 2014, Van de Velde, then 19, traveled from Amsterdam to Milton Keynes, England, where he raped a 12-year-old girl he had met on Facebook.

Van de Velde was sentenced to four years in prison in March 2016 for three counts of child rape. The judge criticized him severely, noting that his actions had shattered his sports career.

Under a treaty between the Netherlands and the UK, Van de Velde’s sentence was adjusted upon his return to the Netherlands. He served 13 months of his sentence before being released.

After his release, Van de Velde downplayed the severity of his crimes, criticizing media coverage and expressing a lack of remorse. The NSPCC condemned his comments, highlighting his failure to acknowledge the gravity of his actions.

The Dutch Volleyball Association allowed him to resume his career, leading to his controversial selection for the 2024 Olympics.

Personal Life

Van de Velde is married to Kim van de Velde (née Behrens), a German volleyball player and police officer. The couple has one child. His brother-in-law is Kevin Behrens, a footballer for VfL Wolfsburg and the Germany national team.