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Golfer McIlroy pulls out of Rio over Zika fears (Reuters)

Related Topics: Zika virus, Rory McIlroy, Golf, Infection

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European Ryder Cup player Rory McIlroy (R) celebrates as he stands with U.S. Ryder Cup player Rickie …

LONDON (Reuters) - Four-times major winner Rory McIlroy has decided to pull out of the historic golf tournament at the Rio Olympic Games in August because of health fears over the Zika virus.

"After speaking with those closest to me, I've come to realize that my health and my family's health comes before anything else," the Northern Irish world number four said in a statement on Wednesday.

"Even though the risk of infection from the Zika virus is considered low, it is a risk nonetheless and a risk I am unwilling to take.