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Rory McIlroy could skip Olympics due to Zika

Rory McIlroy may opt out of the Rio Olympic Games after expressing concerns over the spread of the Zika virus.

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Rory McIlroy may opt out of the Rio Olympics after expressing concerns over the spread of the Zika virus.

The four-time major-winner is due to represent Ireland in Brazil when golf returns to the Games after a 112-year absence.

McIlroy this month said he was "worried" to see some fellow players decide against taking part in August.

But the world number three has now stated that he is not guaranteed to compete himself due to the threat of a virus which evidence has shown can lead to birth defects in new-born babies.

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McIlroy told BBC Newsline after winning his first Irish Open title on Sunday: "There's going to be a point in the next couple of years where we're [he and fiancee Erica Stoll] going to have to think about starting a family.

"Right now I'm ready to go but I don't want anything to affect that."

He added: "As it gets closer I am relishing the thought of going down there and competing for gold.

"But I have been reading a lot of reports about Zika and there have been some articles coming out saying that it might be worse than they're saying and I have to monitor that situation.

"I am actually going to get my injections on Wednesday - at least I will be immunised for whatever...if I do get bitten by a mosquito down there."

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