Despite the massive outrage over Van de Velde’s participation in the Games, he received support from the Dutch Olympic Committee (NOC). According to the NOC, his participation in a ‘specialist treatment program’ made his return possible.

Their statement said: “Van de Velde has fully complied with all requirements and has met all strict thresholds for risk assessment, controls and due diligence. Experts have stated that there is no risk of recidivism. Van de Velde has remained consistently transparent about the matter that he calls the biggest mistake of his life. He deeply regrets the consequences of his actions for those involved.”

In a further statement to BBC Sport, the following was also stated: “Following his release, Van de Velde sought and received professional guidance. He demonstrated to those around him – privately and professionally – self-awareness and reflection.”

The NOC added that the Dutchman’s participation in the Olympic Games was approved after he met the guidelines set out by the Dutch Volleyball Association (NeVoBo) in the organisation’s ‘Guidelines Integrity File’. This sets out conditions that athletes must meet in order to resume their careers after a conviction.

Although Van de Velde is an Olympian, he is not allowed to speak to the media during his stay in Paris. He has also been placed in an alternative accommodation to the Olympic Village, but according to former Australian swimmer James Magnussen, the bans imposed on the Dutchman are not enough and he should not be allowed to compete at all this month.

“I’m surprised the Dutch picked him. The Olympic Committee should disapprove of that, I think,” Magnussen said. “It’s an interesting situation. I think he’s served his sentence, but that (the offence) is a big deal specifically. If you had said shoplifting, I would have said no dramas, but rape is serious.

“I would say you look at things on a case-by-case basis when it comes to convicted criminals. As for paedophilia, there’s no place for that in the Olympics, that’s not the point. Paedophilia is about the worst thing there is. Swimming Australia would never let someone (with a similar offence) represent Australia.”

Along with Magnussen, The Sports & Rights Alliance Athletes Network for Safer Sports, The Army of Survivors and Kyniska Advocacy have also urged the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to ban him from competing in the Paris Olympics.

“Athletes who compete at the prestigious level of the Olympic Games are often seen as heroes and role models. Van de Velde should not receive this honour,” said Joanna Maranhao, network coordinator of the Athletes Network for Safer Sport.

“Contrary to what the Dutch NOC experts claim about the low risk of recidivism, his qualification for the Games should also be viewed from a moral perspective. His participation is already causing further damage to people with life experience.”