Olympics-Dutch convicted rapist considers quitting beach volleyball after Olympics criticism

FILE PHOTO: Paris 2024 Olympics - Beach Volleyball - Men's Round of 16 Match - Brazil vs Netherlands (Evandro/Arthur vs van de Velde/Immers) - Eiffel Tower Stadium, Paris, France - August 04, 2024. Steven van de Velde of Netherlands looks on. REUTERS/Louisa Gouliamaki/File Photo

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Netherlands beach volleyball player Steven van de Velde, a convicted rapist, says he will consider quitting the sport if his participation in international tournaments continues to meet objections.

Van de Velde, who competes this week in the European Beach Volleyball Championships in the Netherlands, faced extensive criticism for taking part in the Paris Olympics and was jeered by sections of the crowd.