Sport for Business’ Coverage of the 2016 Olympic Games is supported by Team Ireland Official Partner Electric Ireland #ThePowerWithin
Rory McIlroy has withdrawn his name from consideration to compete for Ireland at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.
In a statement issued early on Wednesday morning McIlroy outlined his reasons for the decision.
“After much thought and deliberation, I have decided to withdraw my name from consideration for this summer’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.”
“After speaking with those closest to me, I’ve come to realize that my health and my family’s health comes before anything else. Even though the risk of infection from the Zika virus is considered low, it is a risk nonetheless and a risk I am unwilling to take.”
“I trust the Irish people will understand my decision. The unwavering support I receive every time I compete in a golf tournament at home or abroad means the world to me.”
“I will continue to endeavor to make my fans and fans of golf proud with my play on the course and my actions off it.”
In a very singular context he is entitled to make up his own mind about the risks and in such an important area who can tell what decision we would make ourselves.
The decision though was greeted with disdain by those for whom the Olympics is perhaps much more of a defining moment in their career and lives.
Darren O’Neill, an athlete representative on the Olympic Council of Ireland and who lost out on qualification in the last few days tweeted that “I have cried tears and spilled blood in trying to qualify for Rio. This affirms my opinions. We are better without him!!
Fellow boxer Paddy Barnes went more towards humour in his reaction
@McIlroyRory just tell the truth mate, you didn’t want to room with me 🙈
— Paddy Barnes (@paddyb_ireland) June 22, 2016
Rory McIlroy earned $35 million in the last year. He has secured his place as an Irish sporting legend and has done fabulous work for charity through the Rory Foundation. He has made a massive contribution to Ireland and Irish sport.
The problem here lies not in his decision which is personal but in the way it will torture the mind of others, who have less choices, but will now wake in the dead of night at some point in the future and ask themselves was it worth it?
McIlroy has no obligation to their piece of mind but this was a decision which will hurt others. Sport is about risk and risk management, albeit in areas less important than the health of a child. The risk assessment of the medical teams is that there is a low risk and this can be mitigated by taking precautions that are clearly outlined.
Life is not perfect, we have to make the best and make our calls based on knowledge and instinct.
There is an outbreak of measles in Kerry this week. What would the risk assessment on that be.
In another context his decision casts a serious question over whether golf as a sport should be included in the games.
McIlroy himsel, after making his decision to represent ireland two years ago said “It would have been an easy way out for me not to play but I thought about the good of golf.”
“This is the first time golf has been in the Olympics for a long time and if the best players aren’t there, supporting the event and competing in it, then what’s the point?”
“I feel like I have a responsibility to grow the game, as part of a group of players who can spread this game throughout the world.”
Ouch!
The Olympic Council of Ireland reacted issuing a statement through their own UK based PR company:
“The OCI is extremely disappointed not to be taking Rory with us to Rio. However, as we have always said, it is down to the individual and of course we respect his decision, which he has taken for personal reasons.”
“Rory was set to be one of the big stars of Rio 2016, but now there is an opportunity for another Irish golfer to take up the chance to become an Olympian and participate in golf’s historic return to the Olympic Games after a 112-year absence.”
“The OCI and our medical team have taken our lead from the IOC on the zika situation, as we do in all matters. They have provided us with every assurance and we have total confidence that the Games will be safe for all athletes.”
“We are now following the IOC’s recommendations, as well as the recommendations of the Rio 2016 organisers, the World Health Organisation and national health authorities, to ensure that Team Ireland’s athletes are kept fully updated with the latest and best advice and that they are equipped to take all necessary precautions.”
“The OCI regularly updates the private Team Ireland app guidelines and we have held a number of sport seminars and workshops for team leaders, coaches and medical support staff. The OCI is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring the welfare of Team Ireland’s athletes at Rio 2016.”
Even the Government got involved last night.
“While I understand Rory’s decision, I have to say that it is disappointing that Rory will not be representing Ireland at the Olympics in Rio,” said Minister of State for Sport Patrick O’Donovan.
“I fully respect his decision. The Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI) and their medical team have taken their lead from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on the zika situation, as they do in all matters.”
“I am aware that the Health Protection Surveillance Centre and the Department of Foreign Affairs have also been liaising with the OCI concerning the Rio Games. The International Olympic Committee has provided the OCI with every assurance and the OCI has indicated its confidence that the Rio Games will be safe for all athletes.”
“This is an important year for Irish sport, and I want to wish all the athletes who are travelling to the Olympic and Paralympic Games the very best of luck.”
Sport for Business’ Coverage of the 2016 Olympic Games is supported by Team Ireland Official Partner Electric Ireland #ThePowerWithin
