Former world marathon champion Paula Radcliffe has said she is “very sorry” after wishing “the best of luck” to a convicted rapist competing in the Olympics.
Steven van de Velde, who was named in the Netherlands’ beach volleyball squad for Paris 2024, was sentenced to four years in prison in 2016 after pleading guilty to raping a 12-year-old British girl when he was 19.
The 29-year-old resumed his volleyball career after serving just 12 months of his four-year sentence and He was selected in June for the Dutch Olympic team for the Games.
“I am mortified that I have expressed myself so poorly and have not condemned rape out loud,” Radcliffe said.
Earlier, in an interview with radio station LBC on Wednesday, she said: “I know he is married now and has settled down.”
“I think it’s very harsh to punish him twice, and if he has managed to turn his life around after being in prison, qualify and play at the highest level, I wish him the best of luck.”
In a series of social media posts, BBC commentator Radcliffe apologised for her comments.
“I believe in second chances after serving a sentence, but I think the Olympics should be for those who stand up for ideals; that’s why I made an incorrect comparison with doping,” he added.
“I myself am shocked and disappointed at how poorly I phrased this.
“I am very sorry and I should have done much better. I did not in any way want to gloss over the crime and I wanted to say that those who do not stand up for ideals should be excluded, but that cannot be the case.
“I deeply apologize and am deeply shocked and disappointed in myself and cannot understand how I managed to phrase it so poorly.”
Following Van de Velde’s initial selection for Paris, the Dutch Olympic Committee (NOC) told BBC Sport: “Following his release, Van de Velde sought and received professional advice. He demonstrated introspection and reflection to those around him, both privately and professionally.”
The NOC says his return to the sport complied with guidelines set out by the Netherlands Volleyball Federation (NeVoBo) in the organisation’s “Guidelines Integrity Register”, which sets out the conditions for athletes to return to competition following conviction.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said the selection of athletes for the Games was the responsibility of individual committees.
Van de Velde’s inclusion in the Games has been criticised by women’s safety groups.
“I was wrong to explain why legally, as I understand it, he cannot be excluded without first loudly condemning rape. I think I assumed this was a no-brainer,” Radcliffe added.
“I really have no idea why I would wish you luck when I didn’t mean to and I sincerely apologize for the hurt.”