Steven van de Velde, born on August 8, 1994, is a name known in the world of beach volleyball. From early success on the sandy courts to a deeply troubled personal life and back again, his story is one of stark contrasts. This article delves into the life of this Dutch athlete, exploring his rise in the sport, the dark chapters of his past, and his journey towards redemption.
| Steven van de Velde Wikipedia | Details |
|---|---|
| Profession | Volleyball Player. |
| Age | 29. |
| Birth Date | August 8, 1994. |
| Lives in | The Hague, Netherlands. |
| Gender | Male. |
| Nationality | Dutch. |
| Family | |
| Parents | Father: Steef van de Velde. |
| Relationship | |
| Wife | Kim van de Velde (nee Behrens). |
| Kids | One Son. |
| Body Measurement | |
| Height | In feet: 6’6.” |
| Weight | 82 kg. |
Early Life and Introduction to Beach Volleyball
Steven van de Velde was born in The Hague, Netherlands. His father, Steef van de Velde, is a renowned professor of operations management and technology at the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM). Growing up, Steven was encouraged to pursue his interests, which led him to beach volleyball at a young age.
Winning the Under-20 Dutch National Championships
In 2011, at just 17, Steven showcased his potential by winning the Under-20 Dutch National Championships. This victory marked the beginning of his promising career in beach volleyball. His early success caught the attention of many, establishing him as a rising star in the sport.
Representing the Netherlands at the European Games
By 2015, Steven had progressed significantly in his career. He represented the Netherlands at the European Games, partnering with Michiel van Dorsten. Competing on an international stage, Steven demonstrated his skills and potential, further solidifying his reputation.
Achieving Success with Dirk Boehlé
In 2018, Steven partnered with Dirk Boehlé, another talented Dutch beach volleyball player. Together, they achieved a notable third-place finish at the Blooming Beach Aalsmeer during the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour. This achievement highlighted Steven’s capabilities and dedication to the sport.
A Dark Turn: Crimes and Conviction
Despite his promising career, Steven’s life took a dramatic and 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. This incident not only affected his career but also had severe repercussions on his personal life.
The Crimes and Their Aftermath
Taking advantage of the young girl’s trust, Steven 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. The young girl struggled with severe emotional distress, which manifested in self-harm and a dangerous overdose.
Legal Consequences and Extradition
Fleeing back to the Netherlands did not shield Steven from justice. He was extradited to the United Kingdom and arrested in January 2016. In March of the same year, 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.
Seeking Redemption: Professional Counseling and Personal Growth
After serving a four-year prison sentence, Steven was released and returned to the Netherlands. Determined to rebuild his life, he actively sought professional counseling and embarked on a journey of introspection and personal growth. His supporters noted his efforts towards self-improvement, both in his private life and professional endeavors.
Returning to Beach Volleyball: Qualifying for the Paris Olympics
Despite the shadows of his past, Steven’s dedication to beach volleyball never wavered. In a remarkable comeback, he, along with his partner Matthew Immers, qualified for the Paris Games in 2024. Their journey to the Olympic stage was marked by determination and skill, ranking 11th in the international tour’s points standings and earning them a coveted spot among the 24-team field.
Facing Media Scrutiny
Steven was acutely aware of the media scrutiny surrounding his participation in the Olympics. Publicly expressing remorse, he stated, “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.”
Personal Life: Marriage and Family
In 2022, Steven entered a new chapter in his personal life by marrying Kim van de Velde (nee Behrens), a former policewoman from Munster, Germany, who is also 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 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.
