JASON Day has confirmed his withdrawal from the Olympic Games at Rio de Janeiro, with the world No.1 golfer citing concerns over the Zika virus.
The 28-year-old made his announcement at the World Golf Championship Bridgestone Invitational event in Akron, Ohio, today.
A father of two, Day expressed desires to have more children with wife Ellie and did not want to risk the complications associated with contracting the mosquito-transmitted virus.
“It is with deep regret I announce that I will not be competing in the 2016 Summer Olympic Games this coming August in Rio de Janeiro,” Day said in a statement.
“The 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.”
“I have always placed my family in front of everything else in my life,” Day continued.
“Medical experts have confirmed that while perhaps slight, a decision to compete in Rio absolutely comes with health risks to me and to my family.
“My wife Ellie and I have been blessed with two wonderful and healthy children and our plan is to have more.
“While it has always been a major goal to compete in the Olympics on behalf of my country, playing golf cannot take precedent over the safety of our family.
“I will not place them at risk. I hope all golf and Olympics fans respect and understand my position.”
