World No.1 Golfer Jason Day Skips Rio Olympics Due to Zika Fears

Golf’s number 1 player Jason Day will not be competing in the 2016 Olympics in Rio due to fears of catching the Zika virus.

In a statement, the 28-year-old golfer wrote: “The reason for my decision is my concerns about the possible transmission of the Zika virus and the potential risks that ii may present to my wife’s future pregnancies and to future members of our family.”

The Australian says that even though the risk of transmission is “slight,” it is a risk he is unwilling to take as he plans on having more children. The virus has been linked to the birth defect microcephaly.

His announcement comes nearly week after Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy dropped out. According to AP, Day is the fifth golfer to cite Zika as a reason to not attend the Rio Games.