THE beach volleyball partner of Dutch convicted child rapist Steven van de Velde has defended the disgraced star, insisting he sets a “really good example” to follow.
Van de Velde was booed when introduced to the crowd ahead of his Olympic debut on Sunday morning, which ended in defeat against Italy.
Flanked by specially appointed security guards, he was then whizzed immediately off site after the match.
Dutch officials confirmed he is the only athlete at the entire Paris Olympics with special dispensation not to speak to the media.
He has also been housed in alternative accommodation away from the Olympic Village.
The decision was made by officials after concerns for his safety.
Van de Velde was 19 when he raped a 12-year-old British girl after meeting her on Facebook and travelling from Amsterdam to Milton Keynes to commit the crime.
He was sentenced to four years in prison in 2016 after admitting three counts of rape, but served just 13 months under Dutch laws.
Various rape charities and safeguarding organisations have hit out at his selection for the Paris Games.
But his playing partner Matthew Immers believes Van de Velde remains a role model.
He said: “I think Steven is a really good example from who he is right now.
“What is in the past is in the past. He had his punishment and now he’s really kind.
“For me that’s a big example that he learned a lot. Of course, what happened in the past is not good.”
Immers also hit out at the attention Van De Velde’s case has generated.
He added: “We’re disappointed that it’s so big because we fought two years really hard to qualify for this.
“But we’re ready to fight and enjoy the Olympics.”
At Van de Velde’s sentencing, the judge told him: “Prior to coming to this country you were training as a potential Olympian.
“Your hopes of representing your country now lie as a shattered dream.”
He quickly resurrected his beach volleyball career and is now married with a young child.
The crowd at the beach volleyball arena both booed and applauded Van de Velde when he entered the stadium to face Italy.
Boos were later more audible when he was introduced to spectators individually.
