Dutch beach volleyball player Steven van de Velde, who was previously convicted of raping a 12-year-old British girl in 2016, has been eliminated from the Paris Olympics. Van de Velde and his partner Matthew Immers lost to Brazil in straight sets during their fourth and final match. Throughout the tournament, Van de Velde has faced a continuous stream of hoots and whistles from the crowd whenever he served the ball.
On match point, with Van de Velde serving and the crowd jeering him, Brazil’s Evandro delivered the winning spike, securing a 21-16, 21-16 victory and ending the Dutch team’s participation in the Summer Games. Despite the challenging circumstances, Immers expressed pride in their efforts and the enjoyment they derived from the experience.
Van de Velde, as he has done throughout the tournament, did not speak to reporters in the mix zone after the match, citing the need for mental rest. Immers spoke on behalf of his partner, highlighting their disappointment at the loss but emphasizing the bond they formed and the resilience they displayed amidst the attention surrounding Van de Velde’s past.
Van de Velde, who served 13 months in prison following his rape conviction, has faced calls from victims’ advocates, lawmakers, and fans to be banned from the Olympics. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) stated that it lacked the authority to prevent the Netherlands from sending an athlete who qualified through the usual process.
The Dutch team finished with a 1-2 record in pool play but advanced to the round of 16 due to a higher ratio of sets won and lost in a three-way tiebreaker. Their opponents, Evandro and Arthur from Brazil, have yet to drop a set in the Paris Games.
