Paris Olympics crowd reacts furiously as Dutch athlete jailed for raping 12-year-old makes debut

Controversial Dutch Olympian Steven van de Velde made his Paris Olympics bow on Sunday morning, and was met with emphatic boos from the crowd .

Van de Velde was jailed in 2016 after admitting three counts of rape against a 12-year-old British girl. He served just one year of his sentence before being released and going on to resume his beach volleyball career and returning to the Olympics fold.

As he arrived for his game against Italy , he and team-mate Matthew Immers were met with a mixed response from the crowd. While there were some cheers for his team-mate, there were none when his name was announced.

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Van de Velde won't be doing any media availability in Paris, and will be staying away from the Athletes Village in his own private accommodation. Instead, Immers will be tasked with talking to the media after games.

The 29-year-old, now married with children of his own, requested to stay away from his fellow Olympians. He met his victim on Facebook back in 2014 before travelling from Amsterdam to Milton Keynes to meet her.

After arranging a visit at a time he knew her mother was out, he raped her several times - knowing how old she was. He then traveled back to Luton Airport before returning to the Netherlands. At his sentencing, Van de Velde was told his victim later went on to self harm after feeling racked with guilt.

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His selection caused intense controversy, but the Netherlands Olympics Committee insisted it had put measures in place to ensure everyone was safe with Van de Velde being in the team.

"Van de Velde has fully engaged with all requirements and has met all the stringent risk assessment thresholds, checks and due diligence. Experts have stated that there is no risk of recidivism.

"Van de Velde has consistently remained transparent about the case which he refers to as the most significant misstep of his life. He deeply regrets the consequences of his actions for those involved. He has been open about the personal transformation he has undergone as a result.”

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