It has been confirmed that an Olympic volleyball player convicted of raping a child will be housed separately from other athletes at the upcoming games.
Steven van de Velde is set to represent the Netherlands in beach volleyball at the prestigious games, which are set to commence later this month despite previously being convicted of rape against a child.
The 29-year-old was sentenced to four years in a Dutch prison in 2016 after admitting to befriending a 12-year-old girl from the United Kingdom on Facebook, before travelling to her location to have sex with her.
He was 19 at the time.
The sportsman had initially been told that his actions had destroyed his dream of ever representing his country at the Olympics, with Judge Francis Sheridan telling van de Velde during sentencing: "Prior to coming to this country you were training as a potential Olympian. Your hopes of representing your country now lie as a shattered dream.
"Your actions have wrecked your life and you could, had you never come to England and committed these offenses, have been a leader in your sport," he added.
However, in a dramatic U-turn decision supported by both the Dutch volleyball federation and the National Olympic Committee, he will now be representing his home nation at the upcoming Paris Olympics.
Of course, this has elicited a strong reaction from many, including social media users who have been left shocked at the fact that van de Velde is allowed to compete.
"Sha'Carri Richardson was disqualified from the Olympics because she smoked weed. Stupid rule but a rule. But wait a minute! Steven Van De Velde is a REGISTERED SEX OFFENDER who was found guilty of raping a 12-year-old. He's competing in Paris!" wrote one user.
"Shame on the @Olympics for letting a child rapist compete in Paris this year. Dutch volleyball player Steven van de Velde traveled to meet up with a 12 year old when he was 19 YEARS OLD. He gave her alcohol and then proceeded to rape her," another added.
A third referred to it as a "tale as old as time," adding: "Rapist with a sporting talent given a free pass so he can continue his professional career."
Despite public outrage, on its website, Nevobo said it supports van de Velde’s participation in the Olympics.
“We know Steven’s history. Before he expressed his desire to return to beach volleyball at the time, we spoke extensively with him but also with NOC*NSF (The Dutch Olympic Committee*Dutch Sports Federation), among others,” Michel Everaert, general director at Nevobo, said in a statement.
“He was convicted at the time according to English law and he has served his sentence,” Everaert continued. “From then on, we have been in constant contact with Steven, who has now been fully reintegrated into the Dutch volleyball community. He is proving to be an exemplary professional and human being and there has been no reason to doubt him since his return.
"We fully support him and his participation in Paris, which he and Matthew have earned," he added.
However, it seems as though the board is now taking more measures by making sure the soon-to-be Olympian is housed separately from other Dutch athletes.
Speaking on the matter, the NOC*NSF told the NL Times: "NOC*NSF have come to these measures after discussions with the beach volleyballer and his teammates.
"Several other measures relate to, among other things, the supervision of beach volleyball players. In the interests of the people involved, no further announcements will be made about this."
The board went on to state that it hopes the decision will "contribute to a sense of calm for the participants at the Games" before adding: "NOC*NSF regrets the impact of the unforeseen renewed attention for everyone who suffers from trauma due to sexual offenses and inappropriate behavior."
The Olympics are set to commence July 26.
