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A British Olympian has issued public apology following controversial comments about a Dutch athlete sparking widespread backlash and igniting ethical debate.
Former British Olympian Paula Radcliffe was at the center of a storm of controversy on Thursday after she wished luck to a Dutch athlete who was previously convicted of raping a 12-year-old girl.
The former marathon world champion found herself issuing a public apology following comments made during an interview with LBC where she expressed support for beach volleyball player Steven van de Velde.
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Van de Velde served four years in prison after pleading guilty to the rape of a 12-year-old British girl when he was 19.
During the radio interview, Radcliffe commented on the issue that has led to widespread backlash across the globe.
"It's a tough thing to do to punish him [van de Velde] twice and if he’s managed to successfully turn his life around after being sent to prison and to qualify and be playing sport at the highest level, then I actually wish him the best of luck," she said.
Radcliffe quickly responded to the criticism with a heartfelt apology on social media.
"Last night I gave an interview and made some comments that I deeply regret.
"I want to sincerely apologise and emphasise how much I categorically condemn the crime of rape. I am ashamed that my words so inaccurately represented myself. It was a mistake not to clearly denounce this at the beginning," Radcliffe stated on Thursday afternoon.
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She further explained her intentions, "In trying to explain how the athlete in question could possibly be allowed to compete at the Olympic Games, my thought process referred to the legalities and regulations when I also intended to highlight the danger of these allowing an athlete convicted of such a crime to return.
Competing in the Olympic Games is a privilege that should be reserved for those who uphold the Olympic moral ideals. I absolutely should not have wished him luck and genuinely have no explanation for why I said that."
Radcliffe's apology continued with an acknowledgment of her error and its impact.
"I am truly sorry for wrongly expressing my intended views and understand that this statement can in no way repair the damage but hopefully conveys my deep regret. Paula Radcliffe."
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