Security Forces Prepare for Controversial Beach Volleyball Player Steven van de Velde’s Arrival at Gare du Nord Amidst High-Profile Rape Conviction in Paris

When Steven van de Velde arrived at Gare du Nord, the scene was anything but ordinary.

Undercover security personnel, including eight robust individuals, awaited his arrival, with one even sporting an LA Lakers jersey.

This high level of scrutiny was due to van de Velde’s reputation preceding him.

The beach volleyball player had taken the Eurostar from Rotterdam Centraal, expected in Paris at 14:43 from a carriage reserved for the Dutch Olympic team.

As his train neared, the police presence grew significantly, with gendarmerie arriving in groups, most armed and ready for potential unrest concerning one of the Games’ most contentious figures.

Van de Velde, a towering 6 feet 6 inches tall and dressed in orange team colors, was impossible to miss as he disembarked.

The contrast was stark: while Team GB athletes passed through with ease, Van de Velde’s presence was met with heightened security.

He had pleaded guilty to raping a 12-year-old British girl in 2014 and was serving a four-year sentence, which had understandably drawn significant attention and concern.

As Van de Velde moved past the police cordon, he was approached by Mail Sport.

When asked if he was surprised to be selected for the Games, his response was a terse silence.

The same silence followed when queried about what his selection meant for victims of sexual abuse.

Instead, he focused on leaving the station and heading to his separate accommodation, avoiding the Olympic Village.

Reactions and Concerns

The choice to keep Van de Velde out of the Olympic Village was his own, with many athletes expressing unease over his participation.

Van de Velde had contacted his victim on Facebook, leading to a criminal case that culminated in his conviction. While the Dutch team has referred to a press release regarding his selection, claiming rigorous risk assessments and safety measures, the situation remains controversial.

His prior conviction for a sexual offence and subsequent return to elite sport after a specialist treatment program has sparked debate.

Despite being deemed a low risk for recidivism by experts, many question whether such a decision sends the right message about accountability and recovery.

Public and Athlete Reactions

With Van de Velde maintaining silence with the media, his fellow athletes have been fielding questions about him.

Volleyball partner Matthew Immers has faced backlash on social media but defended Van de Velde, emphasizing their positive partnership.

Meanwhile, athletes from other countries, like the Australians and Americans, have voiced their disapproval or focused on their own game rather than the controversy.

The inclusion of Van de Velde has also drawn criticism from organizations focused on sexual abuse and child safety.

Ciara Bergman from Rape Crisis England & Wales condemned the decision, arguing that it undermines survivors’ experiences and suggests that high-profile careers overshadow the severity of sexual violence.

The Shadow Over the Games

Dutch team boss Pieter van den Hoogenband expressed surprise at the uproar surrounding Van de Velde’s participation.

What should be a celebratory event under the Eiffel Tower is instead marred by the complex legacy of one man’s past actions.