Who is Steven van de Velde? Dutch Volleyball Player and Convicted Rapist Qualified for Paris Olympics

Steven van de Velde (born August 8, 1994, age 29) is a Dutch beach volleyball player known for his early success in the sport. He won the Under-20 Dutch National Championships in 2011 and represented the Netherlands at the 2015 European Games with Michiel van Dorsten.

In 2018, he partnered with Dirk Boehlé and achieved third place at the Blooming Beach Aalsmeer during the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour.

However, van de Velde’s career and personal life took a dark turn in August 2014. At the age of 19, he committed a series of appalling crimes against a 12-year-old girl he met through Facebook in Milton Keynes, England.

Taking advantage of her trust, he provided alcohol during a visit to her home while her mother was absent. The assaults occurred both at her residence and near Furzton Lake, deeply traumatizing the victim.

In the aftermath, the young victim struggled with severe emotional distress, which manifested in self-harm and a dangerous overdose.

Despite fleeing back to the Netherlands, Van de Velde was extradited to the United Kingdom and arrested in January 2016.

In March 2016, he pleaded guilty to three counts of rape. As a result, he was placed on the UK’s Violent and Sex Offender Register for life, tarnishing his once-promising career in sports.

Van de Velde released after four-year prison

Steven van de Veldean de Velde faced legal trouble in 2016 in Britain for raping an underage girl he met online, leading to a four-year prison sentence. He was later transferred to the Netherlands and sentenced under Dutch law.

Upon his release, Van de Velde actively sought professional counseling and demonstrated introspection and personal growth, as noted by his supporters. He embarked on a journey of self-reflection, both in his private life and professional endeavors.

Steven van de Velde Qualifies For Paris Olympics

Despite the shadows of his past, Van de Velde, alongside partner Matthew Immers, achieved sporting success as one of the two Dutch men’s beach volleyball teams to qualify for the Paris Games in 2024.

Their journey to the Olympic stage was marked by dedication and skill, ranking 11th in the international tour’s points standings, earning them a coveted spot among the 24-team field.

Acknowledging the media scrutiny surrounding his participation in the Olympics, Van de Velde publicly expressed remorse, stating,

“I understand that in the run-up to the biggest sporting event in the world, this can attract the attention of international media. I cannot reverse it, so I will have to bear the consequences. It has been the biggest mistake of my life.”

Steven van de Velde married a former policewoman

In 2022, Steven van de Velde entered a new chapter in his life, marrying Kim van de Velde (nee Behrens), a former policewoman hailing from Munster, Germany, who has made her mark as a professional beach volleyball player. Their union has been blessed with a two-year-old son.

Steven often appears on Kim’s social media, where they’ve shared their lives for six years. Due to negative comments, Kim now limits comments on posts featuring Steven to keep their family life positive and private.

Steven van de Velde is a son of RSM Professor 

Steven van de Velde entered this world on August 8, 1994, in The Hague, Netherlands, welcomed by his parents, Steef van de Velde and his mother.

His father, Steef van de Velde, is widely recognized as a distinguished professor specializing in operations management and technology at Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM).

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Steven van de Velde FAQs

Ques: What is Steven van de Velde’s age?

Ans: Steven is 29 years old.

Ques: Who is Steven van de Velde’s wife?

Ans: Kim van de Velde (nee Behrens).

Ques: Who is Steven van de Velde’s father?

Ans: Steef van de Velde.