Shane Lowry withdraws from Rio Olympics over Zika fears

Shane Lowry has announced his withdrawal from the Rio Olympics, as he joins a list of players including Rory McIlroy in citing fears over the Zika virus.

Shane Lowry withdraws from Rio Olympics over Zika fears

Shane Lowry has announced his withdrawal from the Rio Olympics, as he joins a list of players including Rory McIlroy in citing fears over the Zika virus.

In a statement released this afternoon, Lowry said: "It is with a very heavy heart that I have had to make the decision over the past couple of days to withdraw from the upcoming Olympic games this August."

He said that he felt he would be "putting my family's health at risk by being in Brazil at the current time", and that his decision followed consultations with medical experts.

"Wendy and I have just recently been married and we hope to be lucky enough to have a family in the near future," he added. "Based on these circumstances, I have received firm medical advice that I should not travel to Rio this summer."

He said the decision has caused him "much anguish".

"I am a very proud Irishman and I love my country. ..I was really looking forward to walking out behind the Tricolour with the rest of the Irish Olympic team in Rio.

"While I am bitterly disappointed to be missing out on that experience and the opportunity to win an Olympic medal for Ireland, on this occasion I have to put my family's welfare first."

He said he would continue to work hard to represent Ireland at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in four years' time.

Read the full statement here:

more courts articles

Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother
Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van
Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman

More in this section

West will be a test despite slew of absentees West will be a test despite slew of absentees
OFX Irish Legends Media Day McGinley defends tour boss Pelley against 'false narratives'
Mexico Open at Vidanta - Final Round Padraig Harrington still explains the mental game of golf like few others can
Sport Push Notifications

By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser.

Sign Up

Ireland's Top 10 Hidden Gems

Ten of the best golf courses in Ireland that too few people know about.

Read Here
Sport
Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited