Rory McIlroy has decided not to compete at the Rio Olympics due to fears over the Zika virus.
The 27-year-old said in a statement: “After much thought and deliberation, I have decided to withdraw my name from consideration for this summer’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janiero.
‘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 none the less and a risk I am unwilling to take.
‘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.
‘I will continue to endeavour to make my fans and fans of golf proud with my play on the course and my actions off it.’
In June 2014 McIlroy had ended months of speculation by announcing he would represent Ireland and not Great Britain when golf returned to the Games this summer.
‘This is the first time golf has been in the Olympics for a long time and if the best players aren’t there, supporting the event and competing in it, then what’s the point?” he said at the time.
‘I feel like I have a responsibility to grow the game, as part of a group of players who can spread this game throughout the world.’
Golf returns to the Olympics for the first time since 1904 but a number of high-profile players have already pulled out, with the world number four joining Adam Scott, Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel, Marc Leishman and Vijay Singh in not travelling to Brazil.
From theguardian.com
