After speaking with those closest to me, I’ve come to realise that my health and my family’s health comes before anything else
-Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy has decided not to compete at this summer’s Olympics in Rio due to fears over the Zika virus. In a statement he said,
After much thought and deliberation, I have decided to withdraw my name from consideration for this summer’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro….After speaking with those closest to me, I’ve come to realise that my health and my family’s health comes before anything else…Even though the risk of infection from the Zika virus is considered low, it is a risk nonetheless and a risk I am unwilling to take.
The International Golf Federation put out a response to this saying it was ‘disappointed with Rory’s decision but recognises that some players will have to weigh personally a unique set of circumstances as they contemplate their participation in golf’s historic return to the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, with the Zika virus foremost among them.’
McIlroy is not alone. Rickie Fowler has not taken a clear call on this. An ESPN reports points out that Adam Scott, Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel, Marc Leishman and Vijay Singh have already decided against travel to Brazil.
“The Olympics is the world’s greatest celebration of sport and we remain excited about golf’s return after a 112-year absence. It will truly be a special occasion for our sport and we are confident that the 60 men and 60 women who will represent their respective countries will find it an experience they will cherish forever,” added the statement from the Federation.
Rory further added, “I trust the Irish people will understand my decision. The unwavering support I receive every time I compete in a golf tournament at home or abroad means the world to me.”
Rory McIlroy has been at the centre of headlines with respect to the Olympics for some time now. Earlier it was about what nation he would represent Great Britain or Ireland to a point where he talked of pulling out given how passionately torn he was in this ‘war’.
