Radcliffe Apologizes Amid Van de Velde Backlash

Dutch volleyball player Steven van de Velde, convicted of raping a 12-year-old girl in 2016, faced boos and mixed reactions during his Olympic debut in Paris. Despite serving only 13 months of his four-year sentence, van de Velde resumed competing, sparking backlash and a petition with over 100,000 signatures calling for his disqualification. The Dutch Olympic Committee defended his participation, citing his rehabilitation and lack of recidivism risk. Women's groups and fans criticized his inclusion, arguing it undermines the Olympics' spirit. Notably, Paula Radcliffe apologized for previously wishing him 'the best of luck,' calling her comments a mistake. Van de Velde is not staying in the Olympic village and is under extra security due to the backlash.