Why is rapist Dutch volleyball player Steven van de Velde competing at Paris Olympics?

Despite his conviction for raping a 12-year-old British girl in 2014, Dutch beach volleyball player Steven van de Velde has been cleared to compete at the Paris Olympics. The athlete, now 29, was sentenced to four years in prison in 2016 but served only 12 months after being extradited back to the Netherlands where the punishment for his crime was more lenient.

He then resumed his volleyball career and will now represent the Dutch Olympic team alongside Matthew Immers, with the pair set to face Italy's Alex Ranghieri and Adrian Carambula at the Eiffel Tower Stadium on Sunday (July 28), reports the Mirror.

Despite widespread criticism of Van de Velde's inclusion in the Games, the Dutch Olympic Committee (NOC) supported him, stating that his participation in a 'specialist treatment programme' had enabled his return in what will be his first time competing at the Olympics.

Their statement read: "Van de Velde has fully engaged with all requirements and has met all the stringent risk assessment thresholds, checks and due diligence. Experts have stated that there is no risk of recidivism. Van de Velde has consistently remained transparent about the case which he refers to as the most significant misstep of his life.

"He deeply regrets the consequences of his actions for those involved".In a subsequent statement to BBC Sport, it was also mentioned: "After his release, Van de Velde sought and received professional counselling. He demonstrated to those around him - privately and professionally - self-insight and reflection".

The NOC further stated that the Dutchman's participation in the Olympics was sanctioned after he complied with guidelines set by the Dutch Volleyball Federation (NeVoBo) in the organisation's 'Guidelines Integrity Record', which outlines conditions athletes must fulfil to resume their careers post-conviction.

Despite being an Olympian, Van de Velde has been barred from interacting with the media during his stay in Paris while also being housed separately from the Olympic Village. However, former Australian swimmer James Magnussen believes these restrictions on the Dutchman are insufficient and he should not be allowed to compete at all this month.

"I'm surprised the Dutch picked him, the Olympic Committee should be knocking that on the head I would think," said Magnussen. "It's an interesting situation. I guess he has served his time, but that (offence) specifically is a big deal. If you said shoplifting, I would have said no dramas, but rape is heavy.

"I would say you treat things on a case-by-case scenario when it comes to convicted criminals. In terms of paedophilia, there's no place for that in the Olympic Games, that's not what it is about. Paedophilia is about as bad as it gets. There's no way Swimming Australia would let someone (with a similar criminal offence) represent Australia."

Alongside Magnussen, The Sports and Rights Alliance Athletes Network for Safer Sports, The Army of Survivors, and Kyniska Advocacy have all called for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to exclude him from the Paris Olympics in a statement.

"Athletes who compete at the prestigious level of the Olympic Games are often perceived as heroes and role models Van de Velde should not receive this honour," stated Joanna Maranhao, Network Coordinator of the Athletes Network for Safer Sport.

"In contrast to what the Dutch NOC experts argue about the low risk of recidivism, his qualification for the Games should also be scrutinised through a moral lens. His participation is already causing further harm to people with lived experience."