After serving time for raping minor, Dutchman qualifies for Paris Olympics | BusinessMirror (2024)

THE HAGUE, Netherlands—A Dutch beach volleyball player convicted and imprisoned eight years ago for raping an underage girl in Britain has qualified for the Paris Olympics.

Steven van de Veldeand partner Matthew Immers were one of two men’s teams from the Netherlands that qualified for the beach volleyball competition at the Paris Games, which open on July 26 in the French capital.

Most beach pairs qualify for the 24-team Olympic field by earning points on the international tour with Van de Velde and Immers at 11th on the points list.

“I understand that in the run-up to the biggest sporting event in the world, this can attract the attention of international media,” Van de Velde said in a statement posted on the website of the Netherlands Volleyball Federation. “I cannot reverse it, so I will have to bear the consequences. It has been the biggest mistake of my life.”

Van de Velde was sentenced to four years in prison in Britain after being convicted in 2016 of having sex with an underage girl he reportedly got to know online. He was transferred to the Netherlands under a treaty between the countries, and resentenced according to Dutch law.

“After his release, Van de Velde sought and received professional counseling. He has demonstrated to those around him—privately and professionally—self-insight and reflection,” the federation said.

It added that both the federation and the Netherlands Olympic Committee “rely on the opinions of experts who consider the chance of recidivism nil.”

The Dutch Olympic committee said Van de Velde, now 29, met the conditions required to return after a conviction and resumed his career in 2017 “after an intensive professionally supervised process.”

“Van de Velde now meets all the qualification requirements for the Olympic Games and is therefore part of the team,” the committee said.

The international volleyball federation said it “recognizes that this is a highly sensitive matter” but said team selection is the responsibility of the national Olympic committee “while respecting the eligibility criteria.”

World champ on course to Paris

THE 2022 world champion steeplechase runner Norah Jeruto is on course to race at the Paris Olympics after track and field’s world governing body failed in an attempt to have her banned in a doping case.

Jeruto, who was born in Kenya and won the world title for Kazakhstan two years ago, wasinitially clearedlast year by a different disciplinary tribunal after blaming unusual blood test results on stomach ulcers and a bout of Covid-19.

World Athletics appealed against that decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport seeking a four-year ban for Jeruto—CAS said the appeal had been dismissed.

Jeruto missed the chance to defend her world title last year while provisionally suspended in the case.

No banned substance was found in Jeruto’s system. Instead, the case turned on whether blood samples from 2020 and 2021 were unusual enough to count as evidence of breaking anti-doping rules.

Faster, flashier and richer

MIDDLE distance runnerEric Holt circledthe track Thursday night feeling faster, flashier and richer than ever.

It’s gotta be the shoe deal. Make room, Usain Bolt, because you have company on the Puma team.

Holt, the 29-year-old previously unsponsored and unpaid runner, made his 800-meter appearance at the US track and field trials wearing an orange speed suit and matching Puma spikes. He finished fifth in his heat to advance to the semifinals.

“I look like a superhero,” Holt said.

Holt arrived at trials as a track-world celebrity—the everyday runner who quit his job to pursue his passion of running. He went viral on social media for his story.

He signed a deal with Puma that he said lasts through 2025. For once, money won’t be a source of stress. He can afford to take his girlfriend out to dinner—and pay.

“I can now do what I love,” said Holt, who came up short in his bid to make the US team in the 1,500 meters. “I can continue to make more business decisions in my life, be more financially well off. It just relieves so much. Because to be honest, I sometimes feel insecure. I don’t like having only a few $100 in my bank account.” AP