Q: We are hearing so much about how unprepared and unsafe Rio de Janeiro is for the Olympics. Based upon the information available, is pulling our team from the Olympics an option?
—Denise Benshoof, Snellville
A: The entire U.S. team would not be kept from competing in the Olympics, but several American athletes have decided not to participate over Zika virus concerns.
Many of the world’s top golfers, including Americans Dustin Johnson and Jordan Spieth, will miss the sport’s return to the Olympics.
Golf hasn’t been played in the Olympics since 1904.
American cyclist Tejay van Garderen decided earlier this summer he won’t participate because of his pregnant wife.
Tennis players Bob and Mike Bryan, who won the 2012 gold medal in men’s doubles, withdrew last week, citing concerns about “family health.”
There is enough evidence “to conclude that Zika virus infection during pregnancy is a cause of microcephaly and other severe fetal brain defects,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states on its website.
There has been a “significant outbreak of Zika virus” in Brazil over the past year, the CDC states.
Athletes in many sports can’t afford to turn down the opportunity to compete in the Olympics, where winning medals and other top performances can lead to sponsorships, endorsements and bonuses.
“More than 50 percent of those ranked in the world’s top 10 earn less than $15,000” in track and field, the Indianapolis Star reported in June.
Water pollution, crime and the threat of terrorism also are concerns during the Olympics.
Andy Johnston with Fast Copy News Service wrote this column. Do you have a question? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
About the Author