Rory McIlroy has this morning pulled out of representing Ireland at the Rio Olympics, due to fears about the Zika virus.
The Holywood golfer had hinted in recent weeks that he was concerned about illness and possible long-term effects, but the news still prompted a storm of reaction online.
Many questioned the necessity of the decision, when the vast majority of other athletes feel comfortable going.
Unless Rory McIlroy is a pregnant woman he shouldn't be pulling out of the Olympics, Zika barely affects adults. Read up on it lad.
— Ben Clarkson (@BenGClarkson) June 22, 2016
shocking rory mc ilroy pulled out of the olympics over such a stupid thing
— nucker (@caoliantierney) June 22, 2016
Unless he has much bigger news for us!
Pity About Rors not heading to Rio, I didn't even know he was pregnant. Good luck with the baby! Happy times ahead. #Rio #rorymcilroy
— Martin O'Brien (@martyob87) June 22, 2016
Is this Rory McIlroy's way of telling us he's pregnant?
— Philip O'Connor (@philipoconnor) June 22, 2016
Some wondered if McIlroy’s heart had ever been in representing Ireland – given the delay declaring his intentions when golf was first confirmed as an Olympic sport.
Sift through his interviews from last couple of years. Rory McIlroy was never exactly enthusiastic about representing Ireland in Rio.
— Kieran Cunningham (@KCsixtyseven) June 22, 2016
It would be easier to believe Rory McIlroy if he just admitted he doesn't want to represent Ireland and not give some bullshit excuse.
— John Smith (@Jsmithy111) June 22, 2016
Irish boxer Darren O’Neill has failed to qualify for the Games and showed his frustration with the decision.
@DarrenONeil Amazing how it's just the multi-millionaire golfers who are concerned enough about Zika to withdraw
— Irish-boxing.com (@Irishboxingcom) June 22, 2016
Meanwhile others wondered if the Olympics are taken seriously at all by golfers.
What must be remembered in furore of Rory McIlroy's decision to pull out of the Olympics is that it isn't near a priority for golfers
— Daragh Ó Conchúir (@RebelDevil71) June 22, 2016
Going to be awkward when Rory McIlroy pulls out of Tokyo 2020 due to the fact that he feels Godzilla is due an attack
— Gavan Casey (@GavanCasey) June 22, 2016
But there was still plenty of support for McIlroy, who said in his statement: “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.”
Rory McIIroy. pic.twitter.com/zIK95Su3TG
— Síle Seoige (@SileSeoige) June 22, 2016
Can't blame @McIlroyRory at all. He has a big year ahead and can't risk his career for one tournament. Gives him a rest and training time.
— Paul Baguley (@BaguleyPaul) June 22, 2016
#rorymcilroy very very brave statement today. Not at the expense of our athletes health it's not worth it. #ItsNotWorthIt.
— Marg Williams (@Marg_Williams) June 22, 2016
Concerns about the Zika virus, which has been linked to birth defects, have cast a shadow over Rio 2016 but the International Olympic Committee, with guidance from the World Health Organisation, has resisted calls for the Games to be moved or postponed.
The WHO declared the Zika epidemic to be a global emergency in February but latest reports from the organisation regard the risks of international spread as a result of the Olympics as “very low”.
