Concerns over the Zika virus has escalated over the last few months, as to whether the Rio Olympics 2016 should go ahead. Amid a growing fear that not only have Brazil claimed a financial crisis, but a fear over the health and safety of participants and tourists visiting for the games.

Rory McIlroy, professional Golfer withdraws from Rio Olympics 2016 amid fears of Zika Virus; a dramatic statement after Golf's Olympics comeback after 112 years of not being included in the world-famous games. Rory has since commented that it is a ‘risk I am unwilling to take’ by pulling out of the games. The 27 year old’s withdrawal is a huge setback for the sports return to the Olympics and McIlroy is the fifth major winner to now have removed his name from the games. Other athletes who have forfeit their chances of playing due to the threat of Zika include Adam Scott, Vijay Singh, Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel.

Apprehensions regarding the Rio Olympics has cast a dark shadow over the health and safety of attracting thousands to the games. The International Olympic Committee, with guidance from the World Health Organisation (WHO) has resisted claims that the Olympics should be moved or postponed. Australian golfer Marc Leishman was one of the first to withdraw from the games as Zika is linked to severe birth defects and possible neurological deformities in adults if contracted. McIlroy has also made reference to the health repercussions, as despite the risk remaining relatively low, it is still a risk, and that his health and that of his family comes before anything else. The northern Irish professional golfer continued to comment ‘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’.

The Zika virus follows concerns for pregnant women and those trying for a baby, who have been advised to not travel to Rio until the all-clear is given. However, WHO predicts that the Zika virus will slowly decrease in risk, by the time it reaches August, as it will be winter, and therefore fewer mosquitoes around. The Brazilian authorities will be targeting the mosquitoes breeding grounds, such as puddles of stagnant water, to eliminate as much of a risk as possible. The International Olympic Committee is in direct contact with the Rio organisers and the venues hosting the games will be accordingly informed of any changes.

Rory McIlroy’s withdrawal from the games has attracted positive and negative headlines. There are those who fully endorse his decision to stay away from Rio, amid a risk that WHO has declared a health emergency. His exit was rather shocking to begin with, considering he was to represent team GB. However, in 2014, he finally announced he would represent his allegiance to Ireland.

"If I had made that choice, it would have been a very selfish decision," McIlroy said. "It would have been an easy way out for me but I thought about the good of golf. This is the first time golf has been in the Olympics for a long time and if the best players aren’t there, supporting the event and competing in it, then what’s the point? I feel like I have a responsibility to grow the game, as part of a group of players who can spread this game throughout the world."

What do you think? Should athletes be worried over the Zika Virus and the affect it will have on Rio? Let us know your thoughts!

Feature Image credit: flickr.com/photos/tourprogolfclubs