Athletistic/OI-2024. International Olympic Committee (IOC) communications director Mark Adams told a news conference in Paris that Dutch beach volleyball player Steven van de Velde, previously convicted of raping a minor, has been cleared to compete in the 2024 Games. Adams noted that van de Velde has completed his rehabilitation period, is not living in the Olympic Village and is under security control.

Van de Velde, who was convicted in Britain in 2016 of having sex with a 12-year-old girl, will represent the Netherlands in beach volleyball at the Games. Under British law, any sexual contact with a minor is rape, regardless of consent. Dutch law is worded differently. The athlete was sentenced to four years in prison, served part of his sentence in England and was then extradited to the Netherlands.

“We cannot say that we are satisfied with the situation; these are not the right words in this case. We have discussed this issue at length with the Dutch Olympic Committee, which has already made a statement. The crime happened 10 years ago and since then the time for rehabilitation has passed. We are monitoring an athlete who does not reside in the Olympic Village and is under the control of the security services. We will continue to work to overcome this situation,” Adams said.

Earlier, IOC President Thomas Bach said he had no personal position on Van de Velde’s admission to the Paris Olympics.

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Athletistic