Van de Velde's inclusion in the Holland team for the Paris spectacle has sparked major controversy due to his 2016 conviction.
The 29-year-old athlete served only 13 months of his four-year prison sentence, leading fans and observers to question the decision to allow him to compete in the French capital this summer.
Van de Velde has chosen not to engage with the media during the Games and is staying in separate accommodation away from the Olympic Village. His participation has been met with widespread outrage, with boos and jeers accompanying his appearances in Paris.
Despite suffering two losses at the tournament so far, including a 2-0 defeat to Norway, and recording just one win, the Dutch have advanced to the last 16. Van de Velde's teammate Matthew Immers has now commented on the atmosphere within the Netherlands camp, stating: "We're making the best of it, and we're really happy at the end of the match."
He added: "So we said to each other, 'OK, did we enjoy this moment? '. We knew before the match we gave everything and we said to each other, 'Yes, we gave everything'. And that's what we want to do every game, give everything and play our game."
"We lost the match, but we're second in the pool," he said, highlighting the team's overall performance at the Games as they set their sights on the last 16. "It was against the Norwegians, so we lost close. But overall, I think we played really good."
After being convicted of rape in England at the age of 19, Van de Velde received a four-year prison sentence. He served part of his sentence in the Netherlands before being released and has been competing in beach volleyball since 2017.
International Olympic Committee spokesperson Mark Adams previously addressed the decision to allow Van de Velde to compete this summer, stating: "To characterise it as comfortable and happy would not be correct".
"We have made it clear we have been in long conversations with the Dutch National Olympic Committee. A crime occurred 10 years ago, a great deal of rehabilitation has taken place and strong safeguarding is in place."
Adams also noted: "The athlete is not even staying in village. We feel the NOC have explained their decision. Comfortable and happy, characterize it how you want, but the statement that they have given to us is correct and we will continue with the situation as it is."
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