Feng won鈥檛 allow Zika fears to ruin Rio dream
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TOP Chinese woman golfer Feng Shanshan will compete at the Rio Games despite concerns over Zika virus and the world No. 12 says she fears for the sport’s Olympic future following some high-profile withdrawals from the men’s competition.
Golf’s return to Olympics for the first time since 1904 has been hit by pullouts by several top male golfers, including world No. 1 Jason Day, multiple major champion Rory McIlroy, Fiji’s Vijay Singh and Charl Schwartzel of South Africa.
The mosquito-borne Zika virus, which the World Health Organization says is spreading rapidly in the Americas, can cause crippling defects in babies and has been linked to the neurological disorder Guillain-Barre in adults.
Even though pregnant women appear to be most vulnerable to the virus, Ladies Professional Golf Association players have enthusiastically embraced golf’s return to the Olympics.
“This is my first Olympic Games and might be my last, so this is my only chance,” Feng said ahead of the Kumho Tire Ladies Open, adding that she was not planning to have a baby in the next two-three years.
“I would not skip this chance for such a thing (Zika virus). Furthermore, I think China golf needs this Olympic Games. As a Chinese golfer I must take part.
“As for the Zika virus, I believe in our science and technology.”
US health officials have concluded that Zika infections in pregnant women can cause microcephaly, a birth defect marked by small head size that can lead to severe developmental problems in babies.
South African Lee-Anne Pace became the first women’s golfer to withdraw from the Rio Games earlier in the day over Zika concerns.
Feng, who won her only major at the 2012 LPGA Championship, said individual decisions to withdraw must be respected. “It might affect the International Olympic Committee’s vote next year to decide if golf stays longer than 2020,” the 26-year-old said. “But we can’t do anything.”
McIlroy, meanwhile, insisted that an Olympic gold medal was not the pinnacle of the sport for golfers and the world No. 4 had no concerns about his decision to withdraw from the Rio Games.
The Northern Irishman told British media the Olympics were not one of his goals. “Most other athletes dream their whole lives of competing in the Olympics, winning an Olympic gold, and we haven’t,” he said. “We dream of winning Claret Jugs and we dream of winning green jackets (at Augusta National).
“I’ve said to people I have four Olympic Games a year. That’s my pinnacle. That’s what I play for. That’s what I’ll be remembered for.”
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