THE Philippines will not be having one of its top bets in golf when it participates in the Rio De Janeiro Olympics next month.
Citing the continuous spread of the dreaded zika virus in Brazil, Angelo Que on Monday announced his decision not to push through campaigning for the country in the August 5 to 21 meet.
The 37-year-old Que said concern on his health and family heavily factored on why he’ll no longer travel with the rest of the Philippine contingent in the famous Brazilian metropolis
“There are many factors that have contributed on my decision to withdraw from the event. The biggest reason of all is my concern on the zika virus,” the Filipino golfer said in an official statement made through his management team.
“I have put a lot of thought on this and I believe I am making the right decision. The health of my family will always come first. With that said, I cannot put myself at risk.”
Que was the latest golfer to withdraw from the Olympics owing to the zika virus. The top four players in the world namely, Jason Day, Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth, and Rory McIlroy already withdrew from competing in the Summer Games for the very same reason.
In a statement, the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) said it respect the decision of Que especially if it concerns his health and family.
“It’s something we need to respect because if there are athletes who want to be in the Olympics its them,” said POC vice president Joey Romasanta, who is also the country’s Chef De Mission to the Rio Games.
“Once you cite family and health reasons, we must accept and respect it. I’m sure he thought of it seriously and lengthily, so we need to respect his decision.”
Source: Gerard Ramos of Spin.ph