Child rapist Steven van de Velde given all clear to compete in Olympics after IOC decision

The International Olympic Committee is satisfied with the explanations provided by the Netherlands Olympic team concerning the controversial inclusion of convicted child rapist Steven van de Velde.

Volleyball player Van de Velde, who was sentenced to four years for raping a 12-year-old girl back in 2014, only served a year behind bars before his release. Since 2018, he's been back on the national sports scene.

However, his Olympic participation has ignited a firestorm of criticism , with figures including Australian leader Anna Meares vocally opposing Van de Velde's selection. Even British running icon Paula Radcliffe found herself in hot water and had to issue an apology after initially wishing the shamed athlete "the best of luck" on air, acknowledging his completed sentence.

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Despite a week-long ethical debate over allowing someone with such a serious criminal past to compete, Van de Velde is set to represent the Dutch team, albeit under strict conditions.

He's been barred from residing in the athletes' village and is expected to avoid all press engagements during the event in Paris, including being granted special permission to bypass the mixed zone that athletes typically traverse post-competition.

"To characterize it as comfortable and happy would not be correct," IOC spokesperson Mark Adams stated at a press briefing upon being asked about the governing body's stance regarding his participation.

"We have made it clear we have been in long conversations with the Dutch National Olympic Committee. A crime occurred 10 years ago, a great deal of rehabilitation has taken place and strong safeguarding is in place.

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"The athlete is not even staying in the village. We feel the NOC have explained their decision. Comfortable and happy, characterize it how you want, but the statement that they have given to us is correct and we will continue with the situation as it is."

The athlete first got in touch with his victim via Facebook, traveled to the UK, and later, authorities were tipped off about the assault after the young girl went to seek emergency contraception.

He received a four-year sentence in 2016 following a guilty plea to three counts of rape, and was served 12 months in a Dutch prison prior to his release.

Dutch Olympic officials report that Van de Velde has "sought and received professional counselling [and] demonstrated to those around him - privately and professionally - self-insight and reflection." Van de Velde is slated to make his initial appearance this Sunday afternoon.