Jesse Reed
Rory McIlroy has decided to stay away from the 2016 Rio Olympics because he is not willing to risk being infected with the Zika virus.
“After speaking with those closest to me, I’ve come to realize that my health and my family’s health comes before anything else,” the four-time major winner said in a statement released by his management company, per the Associated Press.
McIlroy was previously committed to playing for Ireland in Rio, and it’s not surprising to learn the Olympic Council of Ireland is “extremely disappointed” in his decision to pull out. However, it did make it clear that his choice is one it respects.
One of the reasons McIlroy gave for staying away is that he and his fiancee, Erica Stoll, are considering starting a family in the next few years.
“Even though the risk of infection from the Zika virus is considered low,” McIlroy said, “it is a risk nonetheless and a risk I am unwilling to take.”
No doubt, McIlroy’s presence will be missed, not only for the Irish contingency but also for fans of golf everywhere. One of the biggest names in golf worldwide, McIlroy would have made a tremendous impact for his country in August.
But he’s far from the only athlete to pull out of Rio because of Zika concerns. Fellow golfer Marc Leishman made the same decision, as have others from many different sports. It will be interesting to see how many others make the same choice as we move closer to August.
