Why the Netherlands seems unfazed by sending a child rapist to the Olympics

Very little thought seems to have been given to how Steven van der Velde’s presence might affect victims of sexual abuse

Steven van de Velde: What message does the Netherlands send to the world by allowing itself to be represented by a man convicted of a sexual offence? 

For weeks now, controversy has surrounded the Dutch beach volleyball player Steven van de Velde, who was sentenced to four years in prison in England in 2016 for raping a 12-year-old girl when he was 19. He has served his time and openly expressed regret for what he called “the biggest mistake of my life”. 

But is that enough for him to be allowed to represent the Netherlands at the Olympic Games, a contest in which participants are also expected to serve as role models?