Convicted rapist Steven van de Velde booed loudly during Olympic defeat
Warning: This article contains discussion of child abuse and rape which some readers may find distressing.
Convicted child rapist Steven van de Velde has been booed again at the Paris Olympics.
The 29-year-old Dutchman was controversially selected for his national team to compete in the Games following his four year prison sentence in 2016.
The athlete previously admitted to three counts of rape against a 12-year-old British girl in 2014.
Advert
He initially met the girl on Facebook and travelled from Amsterdam to the UK in 2014 to meet her.
However, van de Velde served just 12 months of the four year sentence.
Last Sunday (28 July), van de Velde was met with boos as he appeared alongside his teammate Matthew Immers.
The pair were on the losing side after facing up against Italian duo Alex Ranghieri and Adrian Carambula.
And just yesterday (2 August) van de Velde received even louder boos when he was introduced to the crowd at the Eiffel Tower Stadium.
Amid the 2-0 defeat at the hands of current Olympic champions Anders Mol and Christian Sorum, from Norway, the Dutch volleyball player was jeered and whistled throughout.
Despite the loss, the sporting duo from Holland have still reached the last 16 after winning one and losing two of their matches.
Their next set of fixtures are due to take place on Sunday (4 August) and Monday (5 August).
Why is Steven Van de Velde allowed to compete at the Olympics?
Despite receiving backlash, the decision to include the convicted rapist in the Games was backed by the Dutch Olympic Committee, who believe Van de Velde has been successfully rehabilitated.
"Van de Velde has fully engaged with all requirements and has met all the stringent risk assessment thresholds, checks and due diligence," they said in a statement.
"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.
"After his release, Van de Velde sought and received professional counselling.
"He demonstrated to those around him - privately and professionally - self-insight and reflection."
International Olympic Committee spokesperson Mark Adams also said: “I think a crime occurred some time ago, 10 years ago.
“A great deal of rehabilitation has taken place, and there’s very strong safeguarding in place also, and I believe… the athlete in question is not even staying in the village.
“So we feel that the Dutch National Olympic committee have explained their decision.
“Comfortable, happy, you can characterise it how you want but we feel that the statement that they’ve given us is correct and we will continue with the situation as it is.”
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact the Rape Crisis England and Wales helpline on 0808 500 222, available 24/7. If you are currently in danger or need urgent medical attention, you should call 999.
Anish Vij