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Rory McIlroy Says No to Olympics

Add Rory McIroy to the growing list of players that will take a pass on the Olympics. McIlroy decided the risk of the Zika virus was just too much chance.

“After speaking with those closest to me, I’ve come to realize that my health and my family’s health comes before anything else.rory fist

“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.

“I will continue to endeavor to make my fans and fans of golf proud with my play on the course and my actions off it.”

With all that is known and unknown about Zika it’s easy to understand his hesitancy about heading to Rio.

But this isn’t just another instance of any player blowing off the Olympics. McIlroy is the fourth ranked golfer in the world and one of the world’s most popular.

The chatter about attending the Olympics among the elite golfers has gone from the “I can’t wait to go and represent my country.” to the “I’m monitoring the health situation” to finally “Forget about it boys…I’m out of here.”

And no one can blame them. Gold medals aside, the elite male golfers from nations with a thriving golf following don’t really have much to gain competing in Rio.

I have a feeling that McIlroy will not be the last golfer to opt out of Rio.

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