You can count one major athlete who might not play in the 2016 Olympics due to the Zika virus.
Pau Gasol, who led Spain to silver medals at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, has publicly stated he might not play in this year's Olympics in Rio De Janeiro due to the Zika virus affecting Brazil.
“I'm thinking about (whether or not to go). Just like every athlete, or any other person considering going to Rio, should be thinking about it.”
The Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus that causes severe birth defects and possible neurological problems in adults.
It remains to be seen if other major star athletes follow Gasol's path, but the Chicago Bulls center stressed that athletes should be aware of the possible risk of playing in the Olympics this summer:
”I hope the national Olympic committees and the health organizations can be as clear as possible about the risks in Brazil so athletes can decide whether or not to take risks,” he said. ”I don't think we've been told enough about it. We need to understand the seriousness of the situation. Even though there are some soothing words being said, we know that there are different opinions about the subject.”
The 2016 Olympics will take place from August 5th until the 21st. Despite many health specialists suggesting the Rio De Janeiro Olympics be postponed or even moved, the World Health Organization rejected that suggestion last week.
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