Sergio Garcia happy to represent Spain at Rio Olympics

By Andy Swales

Image: Sergio Garcia says representing Spain is important to him

Sergio Garcia has announced he will be taking part in this year's Olympic Games in Brazil.

Unlike a number of leading players, who have withdrawn from the competition because of their fears over the Zika virus, the world No 12 believes it is too good an opportunity to turn down.

Rory McIlory and Jason Day are among a dozen players to sidestep the opportunity to win gold in Rio, with both the Northern Irishman and Australian citing their worries over Zika.

The mosquito-borne disease can cause crippling birth defects in infants and has been linked to the neurological disorder Guillain-Barre in adults.

However, Garcia used his Twitter account to reveal his decision to attend the Games, saying: "I know there are some dangers but representing Spain, trying to make golf grow and becoming an Olympian are too important. I'll be at the Olympics."

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Another golfer happy to play in the Olympics is Henrik Stenson. The world No 6 Swede said: "I've been looking forward to playing in Rio for quite some time.

"I think that's going to be an experience of a lifetime for a sporting fan.

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"And then of course if I can go there, compete and compete well, if I make myself and my country happy, that would be something very special.

Five years down the line you're not going to think about who wasn't there. You're going to think about who won the medals
Henrik Stenson

"I have a few nice trophies at home and it would be nice to hang an Olympic medal next to them. I think that would look kind of cool.

"I've got three kids at home and I'm not looking to have any more. The Zika virus is not a concern of mine.

"Like with any competition, five years down the line you're not going to think about who wasn't there. You're going to think about who won the medals." 

Golf returns to the Olympics for the first time since 1904.

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