Australian Leishman withdraws from Rio citing Zika

SYDNEY: Golfer Marc Leishman said on Thursday he has withdrawn his candidacy for the Rio Olympics, citing the Zika virus and health concerns for his wife, becoming the first Australian athlete to withdraw over the mosquito-borne virus.

Leishman, Australia’s number three golfer, was first in the race to qualify for Rio alongside compatriot and world number one Jason Day after former US Masters champion Adam Scott ruled himself out of the tournament last month.

The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) confirmed world number 35 Leishman had become the first prospective Australian Olympian to withdraw from Rio over the Zika virus.

There is a strong scientific consensus that Zika can cause microcephaly in newborn babies as well as Guillain-Barre syndrome in adults.

Leishman’s wife Audrey suffered toxic shock syndrome, a potentially fatal illness caused by bacterial infection, in April last year and was still recovering, the 32-year-old golfer said in a statement on Wednesday.

“Since then Audrey has been prone to infection and is far removed from 100 per cent recovery of her immune system,” said Leishman, a title-winner on the US PGA Tour.

“We have consulted with Audrey’s physician and due to her ongoing recovery from toxic shock and potential risks associated with the transmission of the Zika virus, it was a difficult yet easy decision not to participate,” he said.