Steven van de Velde, a member of the Dutch beach volleyball team for the 2024 Olympics, will be isolated from the rest of the Dutch delegation during the event due to his criminal past. He was convicted in 2016 for the sexual assault of a minor, a situation that has prompted the Dutch federation to take this precaution.
To "maintain calm," the federation has decided that Van de Velde will not be in contact with the other members of the delegation. He will not stay in the Olympic Village and will not engage with journalists, as reported by the Dutch news agency ANP.
The 29-year-old athlete received a four-year prison sentence after admitting to the violation of a 12-year-old girl. According to British newspaper The Telegraph, he served part of his sentence in the UK before being transferred back to the Netherlands, where he was released and resumed his beach volleyball career in 2017.
In a statement made at the end of June regarding his selection for the Olympic team, Michel Everaert, the Secretary General of the Dutch Volleyball Federation (Nevobo), acknowledged Van de Velde’s past. "We are aware of Steven’s history," he stated. "He was found guilty according to English law and has served his time."
The federation has indicated that Van de Velde has admitted that he made "the biggest mistake" of his life. He expressed remorse, stating, "I cannot go back; I must bear the consequences."
Experts consulted by Nevobo and the Dutch Olympic Committee believe there is "no possibility" of Van de Velde reoffending. His presence in the sport has raised concerns, especially since he has been active in the international beach volleyball scene for some time.
Pieter Van den Hoogenband, the former swimmer and head of the Dutch delegation for the Paris 2024 Olympics, expressed his surprise at the "commotion" surrounding Van de Velde. He noted, "He has been involved in international sports for a long time. He has participated in World Cups, but the Olympics are different—things tend to amplify."
For more information, you can read the full story on The Telegraph.
Image and News Source: https://es-us.vida-estilo.yahoo.com/jugador-v%C3%B3ley-playa-neerland%C3%A9s-condenado-111652134.html
