Zika fears force Rory McIlroy out of Rio

Golfer Rory McIlroy during the Euro 2016 match between Northern Ireland and Germany at the Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris. (Photo: AFP)

Golfing great Rory McIlroy delivered a blow to Ireland’s hopes of an Olympic medal on Wednesday when he said he would not be going to the Rio Games over fears of the Zika virus.

“After much thought and deliberation, I have decided to withdraw my name from consideration for this summer’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro,” the 27-year-old four-time major champion said in a statement. “After speaking with those closest to me, I’ve come to realise that my health and my family’s health come 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,” added McIlroy..

The decision by McIlroy — the latest of several major winners to announce they would not go to the Games despite it returning to the quadrennial sports extravaganza for the first time since 1904 — left the Olympic Council of Ireland dejected. “The OCI is extremely disappointed not to be taking Rory with us to Rio,” read a statement from the Council. “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.”

McIlroy is the latest high profile golfer to pull out. Adam Scott, Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwa-rtzel, Marc Leishman and Vijay Singh have already said they will not travel to Brazil.