Olympics outrage as Van de Velde booed in Paris after conviction for raping 12-year-old

Dutch Olympian Steven van de Velde, who has a controversial past, made his appearance at the Paris Olympics on Sunday morning, only to be greeted with resounding boos from the spectators .

Van de Velde was imprisoned in 2016 after confessing to three counts of rape against a 12-year-old British girl when he was 19. He served just one year of his sentence before being released and resuming his beach volleyball career, eventually making his way back to the Olympic stage.

Upon his arrival for his match against Italy, he and his team-mate Matthew Immers received a mixed reaction from the crowd. While there were some cheers for Immers, Van de Velde's name announcement was met with silence.

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The Dutch athlete will not be available for media interactions in Paris and will be staying away from the Athletes Village, opting for private accommodation instead. The responsibility of addressing the media post-games will fall on Immers.

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Now 29 and a father himself, Van de Velde requested to stay away from his fellow Olympians.

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

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After planning a visit when he knew her mother would be absent, he raped her multiple times - fully aware of her age. He then returned to Luton Airport before heading back to the Netherlands.

During his sentencing, it was revealed that his victim later self-harmed due to feelings of guilt.

His selection sparked a firestorm of debate, yet the Dutch Olympic Committee stood firm, asserting they've taken every precaution to ensure safety with Van de Velde on board.

"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."