Leishman Says Zika Primary Reason for Rio 2016 Withdrawal

(ATR) Australian golfer Marc Leishman will not compete in the golf tournament at the Rio 2016 Olympics this August in order to protect his family’s health.

Although Leishman is not the first to pull out of golf’s return to the Olympics after 112 years, he is the first to cite the mosquito-borne Zika virus as the primary cause. His wife Audrey’s immune system is still compromised due to a life-threatening bout with toxic shock syndrome last year. Leishman decided the risk of contracting Zika and spreading it to his wife was too great to compete in the Games.

"We have consulted with Audrey's physician and due to her ongoing recovery and potential risks associated with the transmission of the Zika virus it was a difficult yet easy decision not to participate," Leishman said in a statement.

PGA of Australia chief executive Brian Thorburn said he understood Leishman’s decision.

"Marc didn't make his decision without a great deal of thought," Thorburn said. "Yes, it is very disappointing he won't be representing Australia in Rio, but we respect his decision to make Audrey's health and well-being his No. 1 priority."

The 35th ranked player in the world joins fellow Australian Adam Scott, Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel of South Africa and Vijay Singh of Fiji who have already said they will not be competing at the Rio Games, primarily due to scheduling conflicts.

World number one Jason Day will represent Australia at the Summer Games and is expected to face off against Jordan Spieth of the United States, Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy (representing Ireland) and this year’s Masters champion Danny Willett of England (representing Great Britain).

The Rio 2016 Olympic golf tournament will take place Aug. 11-14 on the men’s side with the women teeing off Aug. 17-20.

Written by Kevin Nutley

Forgeneral comments or questions, click here.

20 Years at #1: Your best source of news about theOlympics is AroundTheRings.com, for subscribersonly.