Outrage at the Olympics: Van de Velde is booed in Paris after being convicted of raping a 12-year-old

When Dutch Olympian Steven van de Velde, who has a controversial past, appeared at the Paris Olympics on Sunday morning, he was greeted with loud boos from spectators.

Van de Velde was jailed in 2016 after admitting to the triple rape of a 12-year-old British girl at the age of 19. He served just one year of his sentence before being released and able to resume his beach volleyball career, eventually returning to the Olympic stage.

When he and teammate Matthew Immers arrived for their match against Italy, they received mixed reactions from the crowd. While there were some cheers for Immers, the announcement of Van de Velde’s name was met with silence.

The Dutch athlete will not be available for media interactions in Paris and will stay away from the athletes’ village, choosing private accommodation instead. The responsibility for addressing the media after the Games rests with Immers.

ALL THE LATEST OLYMPIC NEWS AND UPDATES

Van de Velde, now 29 and a father himself, asked to stay away from his Olympic colleagues.

He first met his victim on Facebook in 2014 before travelling from Amsterdam to Milton Keynes to meet her.

When he planned a visit, knowing her mother would not be there, he raped her multiple times – despite being well aware of her age. He then returned to Luton Airport before returning to the Netherlands.

When the verdict was announced, it emerged that his victim had later injured himself due to feelings of guilt.

His selection sparked a heated debate, but the Dutch Olympic Committee stood firm and assured that it had taken all necessary precautions to ensure safety with Van de Velde on board.

“Van de Velde has fully complied with all requirements and adhered to all strict risk assessment thresholds, controls and due diligence obligations. Experts have stated that there is no risk of reoffending.

“Van de Velde has always made transparent statements in this case, which he describes as the biggest misstep of his life. He deeply regrets the consequences of his actions for those involved. He has spoken openly about the personal transformation he has undergone as a result.”