Rory McIlroy announced yesterday he would not be participating in the 2016 Olympics because of concerns over the Zika virus.
The 27-year-old released a statement on Wednesday stating his primary concern is that of his family.
“After speaking with those closest to me, I’ve come to realize that my health, and my family’s health, comes before anything else,” said McIlroy. Adding, “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, who is engaged to American Erica Stoll, had previously stated to reporters he was “monitoring” the Zika situation as the couple is planning to have children in the next couple of years.
Yesterday the Irish team leader and former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley told reporters he was disappointed by McIlroy’s decision.
“There’s been a lot of noise, particularly in golfing circles, regarding the Zika virus. It is surprising and disappointing but understandable,” McGinley told RTE.
“With the press coverage going on and the number of doctors who’ve come out against competing in the Olympics because of Zika, that is a noise that ultimately that led him to this decision.”
With the World Number Four now pulling out it’s anyone’s guess who will be next to say they can’t risk playing golf in Rio this summer. World Number One Jason Day has already come out to say he sympathises with McIlroy’s decision.
“I respect his decision because obviously it’s a tough one going from trying to represent your country and trying to win a gold medal, but also understanding that it’s a life decision that you have to make just in case, there’s a small percentage that [contracting the Zika virus will] happen.”
Like with any “big” announcement these days, Twitter was on fire regarding the news of McIlroy’s decision to not play at the Olympics. But our favourite response was one stating he wouldn’t be playing the Scottish Open either…
