To boycott the Olympics for allowing a rapist to compete

[Fluffyelephant]

I cannot believe in this day and age a convicted child rapist has been allowed to compete in the Olympics.

I know he was booed when he was competing but that's not enough. He never should have been allowed to compete in the first place and as a result I'm not watching any of the Olympics and encouraging others to do the same. I know that means other legitimate athletes will sadly be punished for the actions of one man and the decision makers for the Olympics - but what else can you do to send a message it's unacceptable?

For context, the volleyball player raped a 12 year old girl in Britain who he met online when he was 19 and was convicted in 2016. To add further insult to injury he only served 1 year of the sentence and seems to have gone on to marry a police officer!? He also has since said he's not a pedophile (although admits he did do what he was accused of) and that the media saying he is one is 'a load of nonsense'.

Unbelievable that this isn't considered more serious in a country like the Netherlands or by the Olympics itself.

www.bbc.co.uk/sport/olympics/articles/cpd9e0r2dxmo

Sorry, I thought the OPs question was AIBU to boycott watching the Olympics because of this man appearing, not whether he should be allowed to compete.

He absolutely should NOT be allowed to have the honour of representing his country as a convicted rapist and pedophile. I also don't think that men should be allowed to compete in women's events.

However I am still watching because I enjoy it and he is a very small part of the whole, which is a lovely celebration of hard work, dedication and success. And there will always be something controversial about every Olympics and I certainly don't intend to never watch it again.

Yes I think it shouldn't be boycotted. All the athletes have worked so hard. Just don't watch the volleyball when the pedo is on

I totally agree.

Of course this arsehole shouldn't have been selected, but I am not going to cut off my nose to spite my face because I love the Olympics and want to watch it. So I am.

I'll hope that he is out early on.

Indeed. Cant say I'd ever think of myself saying that about anyone I'd ever known who was convicted of raping a child!

The sick adult man raped a 12 year old CHILD. He was sentenced to a mear 4 years.

His team mate says he has 'served his time and should be allowed to live his life' and he is 'a lovely man'. The child he raped is still a child and has to recover from the sick act.

How people can cheer and clap a rapist of a child is beyond comprehension. They are almost as sick and apologists for his vile acts. Shame of all of them.

How desperate are the Dutch to win a medal to think it's OK for a paedophile to compete for them! I hope someone cuts his balls off.

Steady on you will be reported soon. Some PP and MNHQ believe you pay your dues and get on with life.

Indeed. I can't look at the Dutch team the same anymore walking alongside a convicted paedophile

He served one year of the four year sentence in prison…

I agree in relation to getting an average job etc but I don’t think someone who’s committed a violent / sexual crime should be allowed to compete at such a high and respected level. That’s a privilege, not a right in my opinion.

And I’m definitely concerned about the next US President!

Lovely men don’t do what he did. I know you’re not suggesting otherwise, Krisscross.

And It may be in his past, but it’s in her past, present and future.

No thought has been given to the likely effect on her with him at the Olympics.

Oh well if a paedophile apologist reports me, it's says a lot about them. Shame on them. Child rapists are sick in the head. How anyone can cheer on a child rapist is unbelievable.

I particularly hate child abusers for a particular reason. None of them are lovely men.

Yes he shouldn't be harmed but he shouldn't be clapped and cheer either. For the supporters of him, imagine if he did it to your 12 year old. Get on with his life quietly.

The Netherlands has form for generally being pretty amoral liberal in many ways. You shouldn’t be too surprised.

100% agree with this.

It is an awful crime and there is no excuse .

The Olympics as far as I know do not have any rules which bar anyone who has been convicted of a crime and I don't believe they should as it would be unworkable as different countries have different rules.

A crime was committed, he was found guilty and freed. Clearly someone felt he was suitable for early release. If it is decided that people should be barred from competing in the Olympics then this needs to be at a national level and each country has the right to decide that for themselves.

You do NOT get to try and tell a victim of abuse why they self harmed. How dare you try and speak for her. I am 48 now but was abused at 13 after lying about my age and then further raped at 16 by my boyfriend. It has taken me decades to admit this to myself sober partly because people like you tried saying it wasn't my abusers fault as i lied about my age. Incidentally i have always been someone who looks young so I actually looked about 12. I have self harmed in the past two years and no one but me can speak for why. You do not get to decide for the victim here.

I believe the British Olympic Committee have objected to him being able to compete

Unfortunately I think unless all opposing teams just sit down and let his team win by default, with no sportsmanship, nothing will happen.

It sends the message to the team and country that noone will compete with them. They can get as many Golds as they want, but everyone knows first place goes to Silver because noone really played them.

I’d guess the 5% think refusing to watch the Olympics is a futile gesture at best. Possibly disrespectful of the thousands of hardworking athletes who deserve their time in the spotlight.

I think it’s absolutely disgusting that he’s allowed to compete. The Dutch selectors must have rocks in their heads.

I’m still going to watch Simone Biles demonstrate her near-superhuman gymnastics abilities.

I found it very shocking and disturbing reading one news article that when Dutch fans at the olympics were asked whether they thought it was ok that he was competing not a single one condemned it.

Off topic but if you love simone biles, her Netflix documentary about her getting the twisties, growing up and hher comeback is brilliant if you haven't seen it. Makes what she's achieving all the more magical.

He didn't serve his full sentence. Why are you so keen on defending rapists.

Well said @buffyajp2

@Concernedpasserby
A 12 year old child cannot consent to sex. You cannot know why she later attempted suicide. Not can I. But when I worked for years with young adult survivors of CSA a common theme was that it was 'their fault'. Because that man had told them it was. Ergo a survivor can feel it was their fault when a rapist is caught. They may also feel 'love' & loyalty as well as fear & shame. It is complex. Each case is unique. But all involve an adult & a child who cannot consent. A 1 year sentence is derisory. People are rightly angry that person is now being lauded.

I have seen it, but thanks for suggesting it. The resilience that young woman has shown is remarkable. She’s incredible. As are her parents (who are actually her grandparents)

Such love and support - truly inspiring.

It's not for any individual or organisation to then apply some sort of perpetual moral punishment.

Murderers, rapists and child rapists are the exception. The UK wouldnt put forward a nonce to the Olympics.