Dutch beach volleyball player Steven van de Velde, who was sentenced to prison in Britain eight years ago for child rape, will not be staying at the Paris Olympic Village.
The Dutch Olympic Committee has announced that the 29-year-old, who will be competing with partner Matthew Immers, will be living in alternative accommodation during the event at his own request.
The aim is to ensure “a safe sporting environment for all Olympic participants,” the Committee said in a statement.
There will also be no media contact during his stay in Paris for the July 26 to Aug. 11 Games.
Van de Velde’s participation in the Olympics has polarised opinion.
A petition on the online platform change.org called for the Dutchman to be disqualified from the Games in Paris.
More than 47,000 people have signed so far.
Van de Velde, 19 at the time of the offence, was sentenced to four years in prison in Britain for raping a 12-year-old girl.
After serving part of his sentence, he was transferred to the Netherlands.
The Dutch Volleyball Federation is backing Van de Velde who, according to the federation, has sought professional help following his release.
“We know Steven’s story,” explained director-general Michel Everaert.
“He is proving to be an exemplary professional and person, and since his return there is no reason to doubt him.”
Van de Velde, who has been competing in international tournaments again since 2017, previously said: “I can’t undo what happened and I have to accept the consequences.
“It was the biggest mistake of my life.”
dpa/NAN
