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Henrik Stenson on Olympics: ‘I’m not afraid of mosquitoes’

Related Topics: Henrik Stenson, Mosquito, Zika virus

While other top golfers are dropping out of the Olympics because of Zika virus fears and other concerns, Henrik Stenson remains committed to representing Sweden in Rio.

“I’m not afraid of mosquitoes. I’m more afraid of bears,” Stenson said Wednesday at the Scottish Open. He then got serious, adding: “I’ve been looking forward to playing in Rio for quite some time.”

The Zika virus is a legitimate fear, especially for young golfers looking to start or continuing building a family. At 40 years old, though, Stenson is past that stage of his life.

“I’m in a different situation and it might be the only time when it’s a competitive advantage to be 40-plus and done with the bambino thing,” Stenson said.