Convicted child rapist’s teammate speaks out on ‘disappointing’ reaction during Olympic competition

Warning: This article contains discussion of rape which some readers may find distressing.

Convicted rapist Steven van de Velde, who is currently representing The Netherlands in the 2024 Paris Olympics, has faced relentless boos from the crowd - and his teammate has expressed his disappointment with the reaction.

29-year-old volleyball player van de Velde was convicted to four years in prison in England in 2016.

He travelled to the UK from The Netherlands and was convicted for the heinous crimes he committed after he arrived - three counts of rape against a 12-year-old girl he met on Facebook.

Van de Velde, who was 19-years-old at the time, knew the age of his victim before travelling and committed the attack when her mother was out of the house, as well as at the nearby Furzton Lake.

In June, he was named as part of the Netherlands' Olympic squad.

During every appearance he has made at the games, he has been booed by the crowd.

His volleyball partner, Matthew Immers, has spoken out to defend him.

Immers told reporters: "I don’t want to say much about it. What was in the past is in the past. I can’t change his past. I’m here to play with him. We want to have good results here. There are a lot of people who support us. We do it for them.

"He has a lot of pressure on his shoulders. I’m OK with that. Mentally we are strong, I am strong, we will get through this together."

He addressed the boos, adding: "It is what it is. I was disappointed with the fans. We talked on the field and asked ourselves: what do we need from each other? It was worse than in the first game. We need each other on the field, the hugs, the cheering."

After his attacks, van de Veldes victim suffered extreme emotional distress and began self harming and attempted an overdose.

Van de Velde pleaded guilty to his crimes and was handed a four year sentence.

Francis Sheridan, the presiding Judge, told the abuser when she sentenced him in court: "Your hopes of representing your country now lie as a shattered dream."

His defence lawyer, Linda Strudwick, stated: "He’s lost a stellar sporting career and he’s being branded a rapist. It’s plainly a career end for him."

After one year in a UK prison, Van de Velde was transferred from the UK back to the Netherlands due to a treaty between both countries.

In line with Dutch law, his charge was changed to 'fornication' and he was released in 2017, having served just a year.

The consequences mentioned in court proved to be non-existent as The Dutch Volleyball Association allowed him to continue pursuing a career as a beach volleyball player.

The Dutch Olympic Committee (NOC) said of his selection for the Olympics squad: "After his release, Van de Velde sought and received professional counselling. He demonstrated to those around him – privately and professionally - self-insight and reflection."

Social media backlash against the convicted rapist competing in the Olympics has been strong.

One person said: "Van de Velde booed again. I hope his Olympics experience is a truly rotten one. Why is a convicted child rapist allowed to compete? Shame on the Netherlands & the Olympics."

If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact the Rape Crisis England and Wales helpline on 0808 500 222, available 24/7. If you are currently in danger or need urgent medical attention, you should call 999.