McIlroy's withdrawal another blow to Olympic golf
Rory McIlroy hits from a bunker on the 15th hole during the second round of the 2016 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pa. on Saturday, June 18, 2016. (Copyright USGA/Jeff Haynes)
Rory McIlroy's decision to "withdraw from consideration" for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics because of his fears over the Zika virus is another blow to sport's future in the Games.
Back in the Olympics after a 112-year absence, golf is slated to be included in Tokyo in 2020 but the decision on 2024 will be taken in the wake of this year's event in Brazil.
And with the Co Down man joining the likes of Adam Scott, Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel and Vijay Singh on the sidelines, the IOC may not be keen to continue, especially if more of the game's top players or major winners decide not to go. Jason Day, the world No 1, is believed to be wavering.
McIlroy hinted after the Irish Open that he was concerned about Zika, then said at the Memorial tournament in Ohio two weeks later that he was ready to go:
"I'm ready to play. I feel like the advice I've sought out over the past ten days has put my mind at ease and makes me more comfortable going down there knowing that, even if I do contract Zika, it's not the end of the world. It takes six months to pass through your system and you're fine."
“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”
An illustration of the Zika virus
All has now changed and just a few days after his missed cut in the US Open, he issued a statement on Wednesday morning that read:
“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 nonetheless 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."
The Olympic Council of Ireland also issued a statement expressing its disappointment.
"The OCI is extremely disappointed not to be taking Rory with us to Rio. However, as we have always said, it is down to the individual and of course we respect his decision, which he has taken for personal reasons.
"Rory was set to be one of the big stars of Rio 2016, but now there is an opportunity for another Irish golfer to take up the chance to become an Olympian and participate in golf’s historic return to the Olympic Games after a 112-year absence.
"The OCI and our medical team have taken our lead from the IOC on the zika situation, as we do in all matters. They have provided us with every assurance and we have total confidence that the Games will be safe for all athletes.
"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.
"The OCI regularly updates the private Team Ireland app guidelines and we have held a number of sport seminars and workshops for team leaders, coaches and medical support staff. The OCI is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring the welfare of Team Ireland’s athletes at Rio 2016."
