FROM SKYSPORTS.COM US Open champion Dustin Johnson has become the latest golfer to withdraw from the Olympics over fears of the Zika virus. Several players, including world number one Jason Day and
four-time Major winner Rory McIlroy, have already pulled out of Rio 2016,
citing worries over the virus, and Johnson has become the first
American to do so. Zika is a mosquito-borne virus which has been
linked to defects in newborn babies and Guillain-Barre, a rare
neurological syndrome which causes temporary paralysis in adults.
"As
an athlete, I can think of no greater honour than representing the
United States in the Olympic Games," Johnson said in a statement
released by his agent David Winkle.
"However,
after much careful consideration and discussion with both my family and
my team, I have made the decision to withdraw from the 2016 Olympic
Games. "This
was not an easy decision for me, but my concerns about the Zika virus
cannot be ignored. Paulina (Gretzky, Johnson's fiancee) and I plan to
have more children in the near future, and I feel it would be
irresponsible to put myself, her or our family at risk. "I believe I am making the right decision for me and most importantly my family.
Johnson believes it would be 'irresponsible' to put himself and his family at risk of the Zika virus
"While
I am sure some will be critical of my decision, my hope is that most
will understand and support it. That being said, those who choose to
compete in Rio certainly have my respect and best wishes for an
unforgettable and safe experience." In addition to Day and
McIlroy, US Open runner-up Shane Lowry has withdrawn and earlier this
week, Hideki Matsuyama added his name to the list. Australian pair
Marc Leishman and Adam Scott, South African trio Branden Grace, Louis
Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel and Fiji's Vijay Singh will also not
compete in Brazil, while Graeme McDowell pulled out because his wife is
due to have their second child soon after the Games finish. Zimbabwe's Brendon de Jonge has also decided not to compete in Brazil but his reasons are mainly financial as he is more concerned about securing his PGA Tour card for next season.
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