MOSCOW, June 22 (Sputnik) – Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI) expressed regret in a statement on Wednesday that prominent golf player Rory McIlroy decided not to take part in the upcoming 2016 Olympics in the Brazil city of Rio de Janeiro because of the risk posed by Zika virus.
Earlier in the day, Northern Irish golfer, who participates in team events under all-Ireland golf banner, announced in a statement that he would not to take part in the Rio Olympics due to the risk posed by Zika virus.
"The OCI is extremely disappointed not to be taking Rory with us to Rio. 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… The OCI and our medical team have taken our lead from the IOC [the International Olympic Committee] 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 statement said.
The statement added that McIlroy’s decision would give a chance to another Irish golf player to participate in the Olympics.
Zika outbreak originated in the spring of 2015 in Brazil. So far, over 7,000 cases have been registered in the country.
The Zika virus primarily affects monkeys and humans and is transmitted by daytime-active mosquitoes. The virus does not cause serious complications in adults but it can lead to severe brain defects in newborns.
Rio de Janeiro is due to host the Summer Olympic Games on August 5-21, 2016, becoming the first South American country to host the competition.
