I am convinced that neither the Zika virus nor political chaos will scare any patriotic contender away from the Rio 2016 Olympics.
(“Political Chaos in Brazil Makes Zika Virus least of Pre-Olympic Woes,” The iPINIONS Journal, April 8, 2016)
World number one Jason Day became the latest top golfer to withdraw from August’s Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games because of Zika virus concerns on Tuesday…
The 28-year-old is the seventh major champion to rule himself out of consideration, with Adam Scott, Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel and Vijay Singh all scratching ahead of Rory McIlroy, with Graeme McDowell declaring his absence last week…
So far no female golfers have declined to take part in the event.
(London Telegraph, June 29, 2016)
I trust the betrayal of Olympic spirit and national pride is self-evident. But it is compounded by twin ironies:
- Male golfers are most prominent among those withdrawing; yet it would only make sense for a pregnant athlete to do so.
- Golfers lobbied the IOC for over 100 years to include their sport in the Olympics; yet this is the thanks it gets for finally doing so.
Here’s to the IOC reversing its decision and banishing Golf for another 100 years. That would serve these golfing prima donnas right. And don’t get me started on the multimillionaire-professional athletes (notably those from Basketball and Soccer) who are withdrawing simply because the Olympics interfere with their off-season R&R.
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Political chaos…zika…