Current:Home > NewsDutch name convicted rapist to Olympic beach volleyball team; IOC says it had no role -Thrive Success Strategies
Dutch name convicted rapist to Olympic beach volleyball team; IOC says it had no role
View
Date:2025-04-18 15:17:28
BERLIN - The Olympics ruling body said it had no role in Dutch volleyball's decision to pick a convicted rapist for the Paris Games, a selection criticised by an advocacy group for women in sport.
Steven van de Velde was sentenced to four years in prison in Britain in 2016 following the rape of a 12-year-old girl two years earlier when he was 19.
After serving part of his sentence there, he was transferred to the Netherlands and his sentence was adjusted to the standards of Dutch law. Van de Velde has been competing in beach volleyball again since 2017 and was named last month to the Dutch Olympic team.
"The nomination of individual team members, following qualification on the field of play, is the sole responsibility of each respective National Olympic Committee," an International Olympic Committee spokesperson said.
MORE:WADA did not mishandle Chinese Olympic doping case, investigator says
MORE:Sifan Hassan to attempt the 1500m, 5000m, 10,000m and marathon at Paris Olympics
Neither Van de Velde nor the Dutch Olympic team's beach volleyball coach could be immediately reached for comment.
The selection of athletes for the Olympics rests with each national NOC though the IOC does send individual invitations following the national nominations.
The IOC has the right either not to issue invitations or to withdraw them before or during the Olympics.
It declined to issue Paris Games invitations to some Russian and Belarusian athletes who had met qualifying criteria following a vetting process related to their active support of the war in Ukraine or contractual links to Russia's military.
Some athletes and rights groups have opposed Van de Velde's nomination.
"Van de Velde's presence on the Dutch Olympic team completely disrespects and invalidates the survivor of his crimes," said Kate Seary, co-founder & director of Kyniska Advocacy which works for the protection and respect of women in sports.
"His participation sends a message to everyone that sporting prowess trumps crime."
Van de Velde has the backing of his country's volleyball federation (Nevobo) and national sports federation.
"Before he (Van de Velde) expressed his desire to return to beach volleyball at the time, we spoke extensively with him but also with the NOC ... among others," Michel Everaert, Nevobo's general secretary said. "We fully support him and his participation in Paris."
veryGood! (13235)
Related
- From family road trips to travel woes: Americans are navigating skyrocketing holiday costs
- Emily Ratajkowski Has the Best Reaction After Stranger Tells Her to “Put on a Shirt” Mid-Video
- Body of British tech magnate Mike Lynch is recovered from wreckage of superyacht, coast guard says
- Michigan doctor charged for filming women, children in changing area: 'Tip of the iceberg'
- 'Squid Game' without subtitles? Duolingo, Netflix encourage fans to learn Korean
- Officials clear homeless encampment at California state beach
- Former New Hampshire lawmaker loses right to vote after moving out of his district
- Riverdale's Vanessa Morgan Gives Birth to Baby No. 2, First With Boyfriend James Karnik
- Intellectuals vs. The Internet
- Ex-Congressional candidate and FTX executive’s romantic partner indicted on campaign finance charges
Ranking
- Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates
- 5-year-old Utah boy dies from accidental, self-inflicted gunshot wound
- Escaped Mississippi inmate in custody after hourslong standoff at Chicago restaurant
- Scientists closely watching these 3 disastrous climate change scenarios
- Romantasy reigns on spicy BookTok: Recommendations from the internet’s favorite genre
- Don't want to Google it? These alternative search engines are worth exploring.
- Doctor charged in death of Matthew Perry is returning to work this week, attorney says
- Tyler Cameron Debuts Shocking Hair Transformation—And Fans Are Not Accepting This Change
Recommendation
Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
Jury sides with Pennsylvania teacher in suit against district over Jan. 6 rally
'Megalopolis' trailer sparks controversy with fabricated quotes from film critics
Nelly Shares Glimpse Into Ashanti’s Motherhood Journey After Welcoming Baby Boy
Highlights from Trump’s interview with Time magazine
Housing market showing glimmers of hope amid grim reports
Michigan State Police trooper to stand trial on murder charge in death of man struck by SUV
Want an EV With 600 Miles of Range? It’s Coming