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Rio 2016: Dustin Johnson withdraws from Olympics over Zika virus fears as golf exodus continues

Johnson follows Rory McIlroy and Jason Day in pulling out to leave Jordan Spieth as the only top-four player left in the running

Saturday 09 July 2016 09:30 BST

Dustin Johnson will not compete at Rio 2016 due to his fears over the Zika virus (Getty)

US Open champion Dustin Johnson has become the latest golfer to withdraw from the Olympics over fears of the Zika virus.

Several players including world number one Jason Day and four-time Major winner Rory McIlroy have already pulled out of Rio 2016 citing worries over the virus and Johnson has become the first American to do so.

Zika is a mosquito-borne virus which has been linked to defects in newborn babies and Guillain-Barre, a rare neurological syndrome which causes temporary paralysis in adults.

"As an athlete, I can think of no greater honor than representing the United States in the Olympic Games," Johnson said in a statement released by his agent David Winkle.

"However, after much careful consideration and discussion with both my family and my team, I have made the decision to withdraw from the 2016 Olympic Games.

"This was not an easy decision for me, but my concerns about the Zika virus cannot be ignored. Paulina (Gretzky, Johnson's fiancee) and I plan to have more children in the near future, and I feel it would be irresponsible to put myself, her or our family at risk.

"I believe I am making the right decision for me and most importantly my family.

Ten British Gold Medal Prospects At Rio 2016

Show all 10

1/10Ten British Gold Medal Prospects At Rio 2016

Ten British Gold Medal Prospects At Rio 2016

CHARLOTTE DUJARDIN - Individual Dressage

The defending Olympic champion in the individual and team dressage disciplines, barely a competition seems to go by in which the 29-year-old Dujardin and her horse, Valegro, do not increase their standing with yet more world records. The pair are looking invincible. Prospects: 24 carat gold

Steve Parsons/PA Wire

Ten British Gold Medal Prospects At Rio 2016

GILES SCOTT - Sailing (Finn class)

Arguably one of the best sportsmen to not feature at an Olympics, Scott has suffered the misfortune of competing in the same event as Sir Ben Ainslie with only one spot available. But Ainslie’s Olympic ambitions are now over. Prospects: Gold digger

Getty

Ten British Gold Medal Prospects At Rio 2016

WOMEN'S TEAM PURSUIT - Cycling

Once unbeatable, the trio of riders, which later became a quartet – Katie Archibald, Elinor Barker, Laura Trott and Joanna Rowsell, with Dani King vying to win her place back – went four years without a defeat before being outdone by Australia at the World Championships in Paris in February. Such is British Cycling’s ability to peak at the right time, expect them to be back on top next year. Prospects: Going for gold

Getty

Ten British Gold Medal Prospects At Rio 2016

ALISTAIR BROWNLEE - Triathlon

Only fifth in the world, but the Olympic champion had a late start to the season. He has won two of his three races in 2015 and his rivalry with Spain’s Javier Gomez will be captivating up to the Games. Prospects: Going for gold

Getty

Ten British Gold Medal Prospects At Rio 2016

SCOTT BRASH - Individual Show Jumping

The multi-million-pound horse Hello Sanctos has helped put Brash, a gold medallist at London 2012 in the team event, comfortably at the top of the world rankings. He is currently on course to become the first rider to win showjumping’s Triple Crown. Prospects: Going for gold

Getty Images

Ten British Gold Medal Prospects At Rio 2016

MO FARAH - Athletics – 5,000m and 10,000m

Britain’s leading athlete may have been in the headlines for the wrong reasons in past weeks but he remains the world’s leading distance runner. A repeat of that golden double over the 5,000m and 10,000m will be a hard ask but the Londoner ought to come out on top in at least one. Prospects: Going for gold

Getty

Ten British Gold Medal Prospects At Rio 2016

WOMEN'S PAIR - Rowing

Helen Glover and Heather Stanning halted their successful partnership in 2012 so the latter could resume military duties. Now reunited, they are gradually getting back to being the sport’s powerhouses. Prospects: 24 carat gold

AFP/Getty

Ten British Gold Medal Prospects At Rio 2016

MEN'S COXLESS FOUR - Rowing

British Rowing has turned its attention to the eight as the lead boat this year in order to qualify for the Olympic Games. However, the coxless four will once more be the No 1 boat for Team GB in Rio. The make-up of the boat is still unknown but Britain will be bidding to achieve a fifth straight win in the event at the Games.

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Ten British Gold Medal Prospects At Rio 2016

KATARINA JOHNSON-THOMPSON - Heptahlon

The 22-year-old from Liverpool has just one Olympic appearance to her name dating back to London, where she finished 15th while Jessica Ennis shone. But she has become the world’s leading female eventer and ought to be Olympic favourite. Prospects: Going for gold

Getty

Ten British Gold Medal Prospects At Rio 2016

JADE JONES - Taekwondo 57kg

Ranked second in the world behind Eva Calvo Gomez, the attack-minded Jones beat the Spaniard at last year’s World Grand Prix and was recently crowned the first European Games champion. She believes the world title would have been hers if not for a scoring system error. Prospects: Gold digger

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"While I am sure some will be critical of my decision, my hope is that most will understand and support it. That being said, those who choose to compete in Rio certainly have my respect and best wishes for an unforgettable and safe experience."

In addition to Day and McIlroy, US Open runner-up Shane Lowry has withdrawn and earlier this week Hideki Matsuyama added his name to the list.

 Rory McIlroy announced his withdrawal from Rio 2016 last month  (Getty)

Australian pair Marc Leishman and Adam Scott, South African trio Branden Grace, Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel and Fiji's Vijay Singh will also not compete in Brazil, while Graeme McDowell pulled out because his wife is due to have their second child soon after the Games finish.

Zimbabwe's Brendon de Jonge has also decided not to compete in Brazil but his reasons are more financial as he is more concerned about securing his PGA Tour card for next season.

PA

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