Rory McIlroy backs out of Rio Olympics over Zika concerns
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}OAKMONT, PA - JUNE 14: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland watches his tee shot on the 14th hole during a practice round prior to the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club on June 14, 2016 in Oakmont, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Rory McIlroy is the latest athlete to turn down a shot at Olympic glory in 2016, announcing he'll skip the Rio Games in August over fears of the Zika virus.
The golfer released a statement on Wednesday explaining his decision. From the statement:
He joins the likes of Marc Leishman, Adam Scott, Vijay Singh, Charles Schwartzel and Louis Oosthuizen in withdrawing from the first Olympic golf event in over a century.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Plenty of high-profile athletes from other sports have also pulled out over Zika concerns, which has been linked to defects in newborn babies, and other worries.
The Olympic Council of Ireland was disappointed in his decision.
McIlroy was engaged to Erica Stoll in April, a factor that could have impacted his decision. He had previously said he was monitoring the situation in Brazil and keeping his options open.