Former marathon world champion Paula Radcliffe has apologized for her recent comments regarding Steven van de Velde, a convicted rapist who will be competing in the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Van de Velde was sentenced to four years in prison in 2016 for raping a 12-year-old British girl when he was 19, but served only 12 months before resuming his volleyball career.
Radcliffe initially wished van de Velde “the best of luck” in an interview, citing his ability to turn his life around after serving his sentence.
However, she later apologized for her remarks, stating that she should have condemned the rape and acknowledging that her initial comments were poorly expressed.
Radcliffe emphasized her belief in second chances after serving punishment but also stressed that the Olympics should be for those who uphold the ideals of the event.
The inclusion of van de Velde in the Olympics has been criticized by women’s safety groups.
