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Reuters

Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy will not compete in this summer’s Olympic Games, citing health fears over the Zika virus.
“After speaking with those closest to me, I’ve come to realise that my health and my family’s health comes before anything else,” the Northern Irish world number four said.
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.”
The 27-year-old McIlroy was due to represent Ireland at the Olympic Games and his withdrawal is the latest blow to golf, which is returning to the Olympics for the first time since 1904.
A number of big names including Fiji’s Vijay Singh and Charl Schwartzel of South Africa have also withdrawn because of virus.

Controversy over the August 5-21 Olympic Games has grown as more about the disease becomes known.
The mosquito-borne virus can cause crippling birth defects and, in adults, has been linked to the neurological disorder Guillain-Barre.
Last week, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said that the Olympic Games did not need to be moved or postponed because there is “a very low risk” that holding the event in Brazil will cause further spread of the virus.
WHO forced to reconsider assurances over Rio Olympics as Zika concerns deepen
An expert WHO panel on Zika concluded that staging the event during the Brazilian winter means the mosquito population will be smaller and intensified mosquito control measures in place around venues “should further reduce the risk of transmission”.
But there are clearly worries in the golf world. Earlier this month, world number one Jason Day expressed doubts for the first time over whether he would compete and the virus was a hot topic of conversation among golfers at last week’s US Open.

Masters champion Danny Willett, whose wife Nicole gave birth to their first child at the end of March, said he was excited about the Olympic Games but would not to go if his family’s health was at risk.
The list of absentees also includes Australian world number eight Adam Scott and South Africa’s world number 14 Louis Oosthuizen, who both opted out of playing in Rio over scheduling conflicts.
Health experts want Rio de Janeiro Olympics moved or postponed due to Zika threat
The connection between Zika and microcephaly first came to light last year in Brazil, which has now confirmed more than 1,400 cases of microcephaly that it considers to be related to Zika infections in the mothers.
Britain’s Olympic long jump champion Greg Rutherford has decided to have his sperm frozen before the Games.
His partner Susie Verrill, who will not travel to Rio with their young son, said the couple had taken the precaution because they wanted to have more children.

McIlroy, who is engaged to American Erica Stoll, took a long time to decide who he would represent in Rio and threatened to skip the Olympics as he agonised over his choice between Great Britain and Ireland before opting for the latter in 2014.
“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,” McIlroy added.
“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.”
Irish golf team captain Paul McGinley said that McIlroy would have been a 100 per cent certain pick for the Olympic Games but fully understood the reasoning behind the player’s withdrawal.
“It’s not for me to influence his decision, it’s a health decision he has discussed with his family and wife to be,” McGinley told Irish national broadcaster RTE.
“Shane (Lowry) and GMac (Graeme McDowell) are the next two in at the moment.”


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Rio 2016 Olympic Games

Northern Ireland golfer Rory McIlroy withdraws from Olympic Games due to Zika virus concerns

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland during the US Open at Oakmont Country Club. Photos: AFP

(FILES) This file photo taken on September 3, 2015 shows Britain’s Greg Rutherford competing in the men's long jumps event during the Diamond League Athletics Weltklasse meeting in Zurich. Rutherford has made the decision to freeze his sperm because of fears about the Zika virus at this year's Games in Rio de Janeiro. / AFP PHOTO / MICHAEL BUHOLZER

Jun 18, 2016; Oakmont, PA, USA; Danny Willett lines up a putt on the 15th green during the continuation of the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Oakmont Country Club. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

DUBLIN, OH - JUNE 03: Charl Schwartzel of South Africa hits his second shot on the par 3 16th hole during the second round of The Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club on June 3, 2016 in Dublin, Ohio. Andy Lyons/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==

Zika virus threat hangs over the Rio Olympics 

in Rio this year, insect-transmitted disease is up 600 per cent despite stepped up mosquito control efforts. Photo: AP

World Health Organisation  investigating whether or not to urge postponement  of Rio Olympic Games in light of Zika threat

International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said he was grateful for the WHO’s involvement with regard to the Zika virus’ impact on the Rio Games. Photo: AFP

A 4-month-old baby born with microcephaly is held by his mother in front of their house in Olinda, near Recife, Brazil, February 11, 2016. REUTERS/Nacho Doce/File Photo TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are seen inside Oxitec laboratory in Campinas, Brazil, February 2, 2016. REUTERS/Paulo Whitaker/File Photo

World Health Organisation backtracks on decision to advise IOC on Rio’s filthy water

Rio's filthy waterways have come under increasing attack since an independent study proved the water could be dangerous. Photo: Reuters

Nawal El Moutawakel, head of the International Olympic Committee's evaluation commission, right, and Christophe Dubi, Olympic Games Executive Director laughed when asked if they would consider swimming in Rio's filty waterway. Photo: AP

Sport

Golf

The world number four joins a host of players who have confirmed they will not compete in Rio de Janeiro in August
