The 2016 Summer Olympics located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, are right around the corner. The opening ceremonies will be held on August 5th and the official competition will begin on August 6th. For the first time since 1904, golf will return to the Olympic stage. The men’s competition will be held at the Reserva de Marapendi Golf Course from August 11th to the 14th. Missing from the competition will be the current top four players in the world. Each of whom have withdrawn because of concerns of contracting the Zika virus.
The Zika virus, detected in Brazil last year, has minor symptoms of a rash, headache and joint pain. But, the virus does have the possibility to develop into a more serious disease. Zika has been connected to microcephaly in newborn babies and Guillian-Barré disease in adults. In June, Brazil’s new health minister announced that the possibility of tourists and athletes contracting the virus is almost zero. Additionally, a study at Cambridge University concluded that there was a slim chance of any of the 500,000 foreign tourists in attendance contracting the virus.
However, this news did not stop the players from withdrawing from the games. Number one player in the world, Jason Day announced last month that he will not be competing because of concerns for his wife and future members of his family. During his announcement he mentioned speaking to medical professionals who noted a slight health risk for him and his family if he participated in the games. He concluded his announcement by saying it has been a major goal to compete in the Olympics for his country but his family comes first and he is not willing to take the risk of getting the Zika virus.
Number four, Rory McIlroy, also announced in June that he will not be competing in the games. Dustin Johnson, the second-ranked player, announced his withdrawal on July 8th. Followed by number three, Jordan Speith, announcing in the past weeks that he will also not be participating the Olympics. All have credited the possibility of contracting Zika to their withdrawal of the games.
The main question left is, are these players leaving because of the threat of the Zika virus or are they using it as an easy out. Some underlying factors may be the heightened drug tests announced on June 6th and the 72 holes of play with no team component. But many blame the hectic schedule for majority of the players dropping out. Prior to the Olympics, the world’s top players would have already played in four big championships, including three majors. This means countless hours of travel and jumping from one country to another. For many golfers, winning major championships throughout the year is their main focus, not winning an Olympic gold medal every four years.
[via: ESPN, CBS Sports, and CNN]
