Thursday 30 June 2016 14:23, UK
Lee-Anne Pace has become the first female golfer to withdraw from the Rio Olympics due to the Zika virus.
South Africa's top-ranked female player has joined the growing list of male golfers to pull out of this summer's Games over concerns about the mosquito-borne virus, which has been linked to birth defects.
"After weighing up all the options and discussing it with my family and team, I have decided that due to the health concerns surrounding the Zika virus, I will not be participating," said the 35-year-old world No 38.
"I hope that everyone can understand that this was a very difficult decision to come to, however my health and my future family's health must come first."
New Zealand's 19-year-old Lydia Ko, the women's world No 1, is going to Rio and excited about her chance at gold.
"I'm more excited about the Olympics, about the ceremony, about just being in that Olympic vibe than worrying about the Zika virus," said Ko.
"It's more important that we enjoy Rio and we're excited about it. And all the girls I've talked to, that's kind of the response. We're all excited to go to Brazil, represent our countries and be there amongst the other Olympians."
Many of the leading male players have already ruled out going to Rio when golf returns to the Olympics for the first time in over a century, including World No 1 Jason Day and four-time Major winner Rory McIlroy.
Australian Day's withdrawal saw Olympic lightweight champion Katie Taylor wade into the debate.
"I wonder what excuse they would have made if there was no virus," tweeted the Irish boxer on Wednesday. "More chance of him getting killed by a spider in Australia than getting infected by the Zika virus."
