Rory McIlroy will not be representing Ireland at Rio 2016

Major blow to our medal hopes

Patrick McCarry

Rory McIlroy will not be representing Ireland at Rio 2016

Not the news Irish sports fans wanted to hear.

Rory McIlroy has pulled out of his planned participation in Ireland’s Rio 2016 team and stated that fears of the Zika virus means going to Brazil is not a risk he is willing to take.

After two years of speculation over whether he would represent Ireland or Great Britain in the Olympics, McIlroy pledged, in 2015, he would go with Team Ireland. A McIlroy statement reads:

‘After much thought and deliberation, I have decided to withdraw my name from consideration for this summer’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janiero.

‘After speaking with those closest to me, I’ve come to realise that my health and my family’s health comes before anything else. 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.’

McIlroy in 2010 with Padraig Harrington and Graeme McDowell after winning the Ryder Cup.

A statement released by the Olympic Council of Ireland stresses they “disappointed” with McIlroy’s decision. It continues:

“However, as we have always said, it is down to the individual and of course we respect his decision, which he has taken for personal reasons.

“Rory was set to be one of the big stars of Rio 2016, but now there is an opportunity for another Irish golfer to take up the chance to become an Olympian and participate in golf’s historic return to the Olympic Games after a 112-year absence.

“The OCI and our medical team have taken our lead from the IOC on the zika situation, as we do in all matters. They have provided us with every assurance and we have total confidence that the Games will be safe for all athletes.”

The Olympic Council will continue to follow the IOC recommendations and those of the World Health Organisation and national health authorities, to ensure that Team Ireland’s athletes are ‘kept fully updated with the latest and best advice and that they are equipped to take all necessary precautions’.