Jason Day Becomes Latest Golfer To Skip Olympics Over Zika Concerns
The Summer Olympics, particularly the golf portion, took another major hit Tuesday.
World No. 1 Jason Day announced Tuesday morning he’s skipping the Summer Games in Rio this August. Citing concerns over the Zika virus, Day won’t be part of golf’s return to the Olympics.
“The sole reason for my decision is my concerns about the possible transmission of the Zika virus and the potential risks that it may present to my wife’s future pregnancies and to future members of our family,” Day said in a statement, per The Associated Press. “I have always placed my family in front of everything else in my life.”
Day and Rory McIlroy are the two most prominent golfers to bow out of the tournament, but they aren’t alone, as five golfers in total aren’t risking the trip to Rio.
Day’s announcement came one day after the governor of Rio warned the Games ultimately could be a “big failure” amid not only Zika fears, but also concerns about the safety of athletes and tourists alike attending the Olympics.
Thumbnail photo via Charles LeClaire/USA TODAY Sports Images
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