Rory McIlroy has pulled out of the Olympic Games in Rio because of concerns about the Zika virus.
In a statement, the 27 year old said: “My health and my family’s health comes before everything 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.”
McIlroy 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. 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.”
The decision not take part in the Games will come as a surprise and a major blow to the tournament organisers, as just three weeks ago the world No.4 had said that after speaking to various doctors and experts, his concerns over the virus had eased. The mosquito-borne virus has been linked to brain defects in newborn babies.
McIlroy now joins Fijian Vijay Singh and Australia’s Marc Leishman on the list of players who have pulled out of the games because of the Zika issue. A number of other top players, including major winners Adam Scott, Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel have already withdrawn for scheduling and family reasons.
Ireland’s Olympic governing body said that it was ‘extremely disappointed not to be taking Rory with us to Rio’, but added that it respected his decision.
The Olympic Council of Ireland said that it had total confidence that the games would be safe for all athletes. A statement said: “The OCI and our medical team have taken our lead from the International Olympic Committee on the Zika situation, as we do in all matters. We are now following the IOC’s recommendations, as well as the recommendations of the Rio 2016 organisers, the World Health Organisation and national health authorities, to ensure that Team Ireland’s athletes are kept fully updated with the latest and best advice and that they are equipped to take all necessary precautions.”