Convicted baby rapist Steven Van de Velde broke down in tears after being allowed to compete within the 2024 Paris Olympics regardless of previous prices.
The volleyball star conceded to understanding the burden of his wrongdoings. Nonetheless, Van de Velde — and his nation — insist his previous errors don’t outline him as an individual, RadarOnline.com can reveal.
Van de Velde was convicted in 2016 of raping a 12-year-old woman when he was 19. The 30-year-old athlete served 13 months in jail — a decreased time from his authentic four-year sentencing.
Throughout an interview with Dutch outlet NOS, Van de Velde emotionally expressed: “I did one thing incorrect 10 years in the past. I’ve to simply accept that.”
The daddy-of-one – who’s now married to German volleyball participant Kim Behrens – added: “However, hurting folks round me
– whether or not it is (enjoying associate) Matthew (Immers), my spouse, my baby … that simply goes too far for me.”
Dutch Volleyball Federation common director Michel Everaert defended the participant’s inclusion on the worldwide courtroom, stating: “He was convicted on the time in keeping with English legislation and he has served his sentence. From then on, we have now been in fixed contact with Steven, who has now been totally reintegrated into the Dutch volleyball neighborhood.
“He’s proving to be an exemplary skilled and human being and there was no purpose to doubt him since his return. We totally help him and his participation in Paris, which he and Matthew have earned.”
Van de Velde managed to dodge reporters throughout his time in Paris and in addition opted to remain exterior of the Olympic Village the place athletes sometimes would reside.
Regardless of his efforts, Van de Velde was not in a position to dodge the distracting “regular stream of hoots and whistles” he acquired from recreation attendees “at any time when he served the ball”, per the Related Press.
Talking to the outlet, he mentioned: “That is positively a second the place I believed, is that this value it?”
However the athlete exclaimed he’s “not going to offer others the ability” to “bully (him) away or do away with (him)”.
“I can’t change what folks consider me. Somebody can maintain me accountable ceaselessly for what occurred and that’s OK, as a result of that’s what it’s. It’s their proper. So, I settle for that.”
Van de Velde and his teammate Immers misplaced to Brazil of their fourth match, ending the Dutch group’s keep on the Summer time Video games.