Rory McIlroy pulls out of Rio Olympics with Jason Day also casting doubt

Rory McIlroy

RORY MCILROY announced this week he is pulling out of the Rio de Janeiro Olympics over fears surrounding the Zika virus while Australia’s Jason Day has suggested he is yet to make a final decision.

World No. 4 Rory McIlroy, who was to represent Ireland as golf returns to the Olympics for the first time since 1904, joined a number of top golfers including Adam Scott, Marc Leishman, Louis Oosthuizen and Vijay Singh who have withdrawn for varying stated reasons.

“My health and my family’s health comes before everything else,” McIlroy said this week.

“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 endeavour to make my fans and fans of golf proud with my play on the course and my actions off it.”

Speaking in the US, Day said McIlroy’s decision was “understandable” but told media he has not made a final decision on his own position.

“He and Erica (girlfriend Erica Stoll) are looking at getting married soon and obviously looking to start a family,” said Day.

“I’m past that but also want to have some more babies, so I respect his decision.”

Day is currently down to take Australia’s top position in Rio with Scott Hend and Marcus Fraser duelling over the second position.

“Family for me is priority number one so I’ve got to make sure that they’re happy and then from there I’ll make a decision,” the world No.1 said.

“It’s a life decision that you have to make just in case there’s a small percentage that it will happen, but it’s a decision that some people aren’t willing to take.”

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