Day joins Olympic exodus over Zika virus

BY BRENDAN JAMES

WORLD No.1 Jason Day has withdrawn from the Rio Olympic Games due to concerns over the Zika virus.

Within an hour of Day pulling out, this week’s defending champion at Firestone, Shane Lowry, announced he too would not be competing in Rio because of the Zika virus threat.

Both men have long spoken about their excitement at being able to represent their respective countries at the Olympic Games but as Day said in a statement he would not put his family’s health at risk by competing in Rio.

Jason Day says the health of his family and any future children takes priority over competing at the Olympics. PHOTO: David Cannon/Getty Images.

“It is with deep regret I announce that I will not be competing in the 2016 Summer Olympic Games this coming August in Rio de Janeiro,” Day said.

“The reason for my decision is my concerns about the possible transmission of the Zika virus and the potential risks that it may present to my wife’s future pregnancies and to future members of our family.”

Zika is a mosquito-borne virus, which has led to more than 1,500 known cases of serious birth defects in newborns in Brazil since the start of 2016. The virus can also cause neurological problems in adults. Concerned doctors, lawyers and activists have pleaded with the International Olympic Committee to move or cancel the Games completely.

“I have always placed my family in front of everything else in my life,” the US PGA Champion’s statement continued.

“Medical experts have confirmed that while perhaps slight, a decision to compete in Rio absolutely comes with health risks to me and to my family.

“My wife Ellie and I have been blessed with two wonderful and healthy children and our plan is to have more. While it has always been a major goal to compete in the Olympics on behalf of my country, playing golf cannot take precedent over the safety of our family.

“I will not place them at risk.

“I have informed coach Ian Baker Finch and Stephen Pitt the CEO of Golf Australia of my difficult decision. I hope all golf and Olympics fans respect and understand my position. In closing, I would like to thank all of those who have supported me throughout my career and extend my best wishes to all participants. Especially the entire Australian Olympic Team as they pursue their dreams in Rio de Janeiro.”

Lowry, who was recently married, said he felt he would be putting his future plans for a family at risk and based his decision on "firm medical advice.”

He said he felt he would be putting his "family's health at risk by being in Brazil at the current time."

Lowry added: “I have not taken the decision lightly and it has been a source of much anguish for me over the past week.

Shane Lowry warms up at the Bridgestone Invitational a few hours after withdrawing from the Games. PHOTO: Sam Greenwood/Getty Images.

“I am a very proud Irishman and I love my country. Hence, I was really looking forward to walking out behind the Tricolour with the rest of the Irish Olympic team in Rio.”

The Australian Associated Press is reporting that Day said he hopes golf remains an Olympic sport for years to come and he intends to push for selection again in 2020 when Japan hosts the Olympics.

Day and Lowry join a growing list of the world’s best players to withdraw from the Olympics due to Zika concerns including Rory McIlroy, Branden Grace, Charl Schwartzel, Louis Oosthuizen, Vijay Singh and fellow Aussie Marc Leishman. World No.2 Jordan Spieth remains committed to competing in Rio but during the US Open he aired some concerns over the health issues associated with competing. Masters Champion Danny Willett is another player who was still undecided about attending the Games.

The two Australian team spots for men’s golf in Rio are now likely to go to in-form Scott Hend and European Tour winner Marcus Fraser.