Lee-Anne Pace Becomes the First Female Golfer to Pull Out of Rio 2016
South African Lee-Anne Pace has become the first female golfer to withdraw from the Rio de Janeiro Olympics over fears of the Zika Virus.
In a statement released yesterday the 35-year-old confirmed she would not be playing after careful consideration.
“I was very much looking forward to the opportunity of being part of the South African Golf Team and the wider South African Olympic Team. However, over recent months my team has been monitoring the situation regarding the Zika Virus and finding out as much information as possible. After weighing up all the options and discussing it with my family and team, I have decided that due to the health concerns surrounding the Zika Virus, I will not be participating,” said the World Number 38.
Pace added, “I hope that everyone can understand that this was a very difficult decision to come to, however my health and my future family’s health must come first.”
While many top male golfers have been pulling out over the past few weeks the ladies have remained steadfast in their excitement over golf’s inclusion at the Olympics for the first time in 112 years.
With World Number One Jason Day confirming earlier this week that he would not be heading to Brazil many, including some pros, have been wondering why female golfers hadn’t begun to pull out.
LPGA players Brittany Lincicome and Gerina Piller have both expressed their worry over the virus that has been linked to birth defects.
“Everyone is making it sound like it’s OK,” Lincicome said at the Meijer LPGA Classic, “but for some reason it’s really worrying me. I feel like I’ve dreamt my whole life of becoming a mom and having a baby. To not be able to do that just because of one golf tournament would be crushing.”
The LPGA has said that they fully understand and respect Pace’s decision.
“Playing in the Rio 2016 Olympics is an incredible honor for any athlete, and we are excited for golf’s return to the Games. We also realize that the Zika virus is a concern for many, particularly for women with plans for a family in the near-term. The decision that any player makes is a personal one, and the LPGA will respect and support our member’s decisions as it relates to participating in Rio 2016.”
Top players like World Number Nine Stacy Lewis have said before that the Olympics represent an incredible opportunity for the women’s game. Exposing them to the entire world and a new generation of players. But will the Zika virus prove just too big a risk for some of the ladies?
