Former marathon world champion Paula Radcliffe has issued a public apology after wishing Steven van de Velde, a convicted rapist, “the best of luck” as he competes at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Steven van de Velde, a member of the Netherlands beach volleyball squad, was sentenced to four years in prison in 2016 for raping a 12-year-old British girl when he was 19. After serving just 12 months, van de Velde resumed his volleyball career and was selected for the Dutch Olympic team in June.
Radcliffe expressed her remorse, stating, “I am mortified that I expressed it so badly and didn’t condemn the rape out loud.”
In a recent interview with radio station LBC, Radcliffe mentioned, “I know that he is married now and has settled down. I think it’s a tough thing to do to punish him twice and if he’s managed to successfully turn his life around after being sent to prison, and to qualify and to be playing sport at the highest level, then I actually wish him the best of luck.”
Following backlash, Radcliffe took to social media to clarify her remarks and apologise. “I do believe in second chances after serving punishment but think the Olympics should be for those who uphold the ideals – that’s why I poorly brought the doping comparison in,” she said.
“I am very sorry and should have done much better. I by no means meant to overlook the crime and meant to say those who don’t uphold ideals should be excluded but can’t be. I profoundly apologise and am deeply shocked and disappointed in myself and can’t understand how I managed to convey it so badly.”
Van de Velde’s inclusion in the Dutch Olympic team has drawn criticism from women’s safety groups. The Dutch Olympic Committee (NOC) stated that after his release, van de Velde sought and received professional counselling, demonstrating self-insight and reflection.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has reiterated that the selection of athletes for the Games is the responsibility of individual national committees.
Radcliffe concluded her apology by addressing the misunderstanding, “I wrongly jumped to explaining why legally, as I understand it, he can’t be excluded without first condemning the rape out loud – I think I assumed this went without saying. I genuinely have no idea why I would ever wish luck when I didn’t mean it and sincerely apologise for the hurt.”
This incident highlights the ongoing controversy and sensitivity surrounding the participation of athletes with criminal convictions in major international sporting events.
