Defends himself against anger
Convised sex offenders van de Velde breaks silence
The Olympic participation of Steven van de Velde causes excitement and a lot of criticism in Paris. In an interview, the beach volleyball player for the first time and his participation in the games speaks for the first time due to sexual abuse.
The controversial Dutch beach volleyball player Steven van de Velde left almost the Olympic Games because of the public outrage over his participation in Paris. He had expected protests, but the extent surprised him, said the predominant athlete to the Dutch TV station NOS. “It is not a little thing that is fired on you.” Nevertheless, he remained. “I thought; I won't give others the power to avoid myself.”
The athlete also understanded. “I know that this will play a role for the rest of my life. I have to accept that because I made a mistake.” But today he is no longer the same teenager from back then. Van de Velde is married and has a two -year -old son.
The 30 -year -old van de Velde commented on his controversial participation in Haag for the first time since the Olympic Games in front of journalists. He had been sentenced to a prison sentence in England eight years ago in England for a girl's sexual abuse. Van de Velde was 19 when he had sex with the then twelve -year -olds in 2014. He had been heavily booed in Paris. Together with his partner, he was eliminated in the quarter -finals.
The fact that some protests did not stop in front of his family would go too far, he said. “Take me, but please leave my family alone. That goes too far.” He will now think well about his sporting future. “The future of my son is more important to me than my career.”
