Call for probe into inclusion of convicted child rapist at Olympics

Mary Crilly said the inclusion of a child rapist at the Olympics is 'appalling'. Picture: Larry Cummins

The International Olympics Committee (IOC) is being asked to investigate how a convicted child rapist is allowed to compete at Paris 2024 for the Dutch team.

Amid growing public outrage at the presence of the Netherlands beach volleyball player Steven van de Velde, who was convicted of raping a British 12-year-old girl in 2016, groups have warned that sporting bodies are sending a dangerous message to rapists and causing “collateral damage” to victims of sexual abuse.

Ciara Bergman, CEO of Rape Crisis England & Wales, said the “irresponsible” inclusion of Van de Velde at the Olympics created an “enormous sense of impunity”.

If you can rape a child and still compete in the Olympics, despite all athletes signing a declaration promising to be a role model, that is just shocking.

Her sentiments are echoed in Ireland, with Mary Crilly, co-founder and CEO of the Sexual Violence Centre Cork, saying it sends an "appalling" message.

"What country would want to have him representing them? This is not an accusation, it is a conviction in a court from a jury," she said. "A conviction for child rape. It is appalling, and it is so wrong. 

What does it say to the victim? It means he can literally rape a child and then go on and better his life.

"He’s not even going to improve as a person; he’s become a star. It also means that his country has invested in his training, his competition, and his life, even though he raped a child. He shouldn’t be there, and he should not be performing."

'It is crucial to make it clear there is zero tolerance for sexual violence in sports,' said Rachel Morrogh. Picture: Andres Poveda

Chief executive of Dublin Rape Crisis Centre Rachel Morrogh said the IOC must be clear on its position regarding sexual violence.

"Athletes at the top of their field are important role models in sport and in wider society, especially for children and young people," she said.

"They enjoy admiration, reverence, and celebrity status and with that must come considerable responsibility, given their audience can be so influenced by their actions and words. 

"It is crucial to make it clear there is zero tolerance for sexual violence in sports and in the sporting community. Equally, we cannot allow the harm of child sexual abuse to be normalised.

Being an Olympian and being an abuser of children are mutually exclusive and the IOC must be categorical in its rejection of any blurring of lines. 

"It must ensure that those who represent the Olympic movement uphold the highest standards of integrity and respect," she said.

Van de Velde, who is now 29, was sentenced to four years in prison in 2016 after pleading guilty to raping the British girl. He had flown to England to meet her in 2014 with full knowledge of her age, having met her on Facebook. 

Van de Velde served 12 months in a British prison, before being transferred to his home country, where he was released after a further month. He has since gone on to play internationally for the Netherlands.

The IOC has said the selection of athletes for the Games was the responsibility of individual committees.

• Guardian and Irish Examiner