Top Australian golfer withdraws from Olympics over Zika fears

Canberra, June 29: Australia’s top golfer, Jason Day, on Wednesday announced his withdrawal from the upcoming Rio Olympics over fears of the Zika virus.

The 28-year-old made the announcement on his social media account stating he would not put his wife and his family at risk, Xinhua news agency reported.

“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 the 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 pregncies and to future members of our family.”

The Zika virus is a mosquito-borne disease which has been linked to severe birth defects for women who are infected with Zika during their pregncy. The Zika virus began spreading in Brazil during 2015. (IANS)

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