Posted on 07/09/2016 12:43:21 PM PDT by jazusamo
U.S. Open champion Dustin Johnson on Friday said that he will not attend the Olympic Games in Rio over the fears of Zika virus, ESPN reported.
"I feel it would be irresponsible to put myself, [my fiancée,] or our family at risk," said the athlete, who is ranked second in the sport worldwide. "I believe I am making the right decision for me and, most importantly, my family. While I am sure some will be critical of my decision, my hope is that most will understand and support it."
Thirteen golfers have already announced that they will not be at the games, and several — including the world's top golfer Jason Day and No. 4 Rory McIlroy — specifically attributed their decision to the Zika virus, according to the sports network.
The absence of three of the world's top four golfers could jeopardize the historic return of the sport to the Olympics; golf has not been an Olympic sport since 1904.
The Zika virus is known to cause serious birth defects.
There is no reason male sperm should be inside his girlfriend, risking a pregnancy.
The real sorry souls are those who feel the need to compete in the boating events.
The marathon could also prove to be a very interesting event depending on the route.
Isn’t triathlon now an Olympic sport? If so, imagine what the open water swimmers will have to face — much more pollution & germs than just Zika. Nasty, ugly stuff.
A golfer isn’t going to make any extra money or gain more recognition for winning the Olympic Gold. Can anyone name who has won the Tennis gold over the past few Olympics? This is the big enchilada for Swimmers, gymnasts divers, track stars etc. Nobody remembers siwmming world champions.
We can send a team of 80 year olds from Florida!
Oh my! If they survive the swim, and don’t get their bike stolen, they’ll be lucky to make it to the finish line only having been mugged twice!
There should be a biathlon where you run a combat shooting course and then golf.
I offer the same criticism of Basketball which includes nothing but NBA professionals....
The olympic games have become a joke..........
Golf as an olympic event that includes PGA players is nothing but a sham...........They don't belong there nor does the event.
Agreed, as I said in post #7 but they’re there.
Mark Spitz, Michael Phelps, Janet Evans, Matt Biondi.....Johnny Weismuller.......
All true amateurs as compared to the NBA all stars and the PGA players..........
The IOC is a cesspool of corrupt international criminals who live off the bribes and kickbacks from host / wannabe-host nations. The result is the selection of 3rd world pest holes such as Brazil, Communist gulags such as Red China, and bullying kleptocracies such as Russia. If the USA had cajones, we’d rise up as a nation and pull out of the Olympic summer and winter games for good.
1. IOC is corrupt
2. No longer limited to amateurs
3. Doping
4. No longer a test of one nation against another as athletes born in one country, train in another, and trained by someone from a third
5. Various forms of cheating such as gymnasts too young, athletes of questionable gender, biased judging, etc.
6. Men doing women's events like synchronized swimming
7. Celebration of gaiety at events like men's diving
8. Celebration of fornication by announcing how many condoms are being purchased for the Olympic village
9. Inclusion of events that make no sense such as golf
10. Bob Costas
Agree, good list. #10 is reason enough by itself.
I agree, and there are others that have no business being competed.
Michael Phelps has made millions swimming. The whole amateur thing was a complete illusion. The competitors were not amateurs by choice, they were forced to be amateurs. However, you could be paid by the state as was the case of the Soviet Union and other communist nations. The best thing that has happened in the Olympics was when they eliminated the hypocrisy of “amateurism”.
Now that's a different story. For sure, he has led a troubled life (mostly of his own making). Seems that Wayne got through to him. Hope so.
From endorsements, not prize money.......big difference between the two.
There was no difference between the two as far as the old rules were concerned. There most certainly is prize money in top level track and swimming competitions, just google it up. Besides, if you’re one of the best at something, what’s wrong with getting paid for your effort.
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