– McIlroy will not compete at the forthcoming Olympic games in Brazil
– The British cited Zika virus as an infection he wont risk at all
– Zika virus is a disease that has been borne from mosquitoes
Northern Irish professional golfer Rory McIlroy has withdrawn from competing at the Rio Olympics as a result of the threat posed by the Zika virus.
The PGA and European Tour member says he is unwilling to take the risk.
Rory Mcilroy
The 27-year-old is now the first major name to pull out of the Summer Olympic Games, with fellow golfers Vijay Singh and Marc Leishman also confirming their intention not to travel to Brazil for the start of the tournament in August where golf will make its Olympic return after a 112-year absence.
In a statement released on Wednesday, June 22, the 27-year-old announced that he will not participate at the Olympics due to the Zika virus, adding that his health and that of his family “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,” he added.
McIlroy had already announced his intention to represent Ireland rather than Great Britain, and claimed earlier this month that his fears over the threat posed by the Zika virus had eased.
Zika virus is a disease that has been borne from mosquitoes and has been linked to brain defects among new-born babies, with Brazil one of the hardest hit countries.
Also, World Cup winning player and former FIFA World Footballer of the Year Rivaldo has warned Rio Olympics tourist against visiting Brazil.
The former Barcelona and AC Milan front man took to Instagram to note that the political unrest and police clashes with the streets make Brazil unsafe.
He alluded to the shooting of a 17 woman in Brazil as evidence of the unsafe streets of Brazil.
The 2016 Rio Olympics will be the first hosted in South America but while venues are largely ready, the Zika virus, water pollution, and lukewarm tickets sales are worrying organizers.
Source (Niaj.com)
