World No. 1 Jason Day has officially
withdrawn from the Olympic Games at Rio De Janeiro due to health concerns.
World No. 1 Jason Day has officially
withdrawn from the Olympic Games at Rio De Janeiro due to health concerns.
Jason Day statement:
"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. 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. 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 have informed Coach Ian Baker Finch
and Stephen Pitt the CEO of Golf Australia of my difficult decision. I hope all
golf and Olympics fans respect and understand my position. In closing, I would
like to thank all of those who have supported me throughout my career and
extend my best wishes to all participants. Especially the entire Australian
Olympic Team as they pursue their dreams in Rio de Janeiro."