Austalia’s NBA star Andrew Bogut said he would consider pulling out of Olympics due to Zika virus
AUSTRALIA’S best basketballer Andrew Bogut said he would consider pulling out of the Olympics because of fears of the Zika virus.
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AUSTRALIA’S best basketballer Andrew Bogut said he would consider pulling out of the Olympics because of fears of the Zika virus in Brazil.
The NBA star has also predicted more athletes will pull out of this year’s Olympic Games because of heath risks posed to athletes and their families in Rio.
“If it get’s serious there is going to be a conversation ... there are some concerns,’’ he said.
“When you go somewhere and you can simply get bitten by a mosquito and you can come down with something, it’s not something you don’t want to risk.’’
Bogut, chasing an NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors against LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers, said he was committed to the national team but wanted more information on risks.
Asked if he was worried, he said: “A little bit, I’d be lying to say I wasn’t.
“To get bitten by a mosquito and then come down with something is a pretty scary prospect.’’
Athletes from the US, Spain, Britain and several European nations have pulled out of next month’s Olympics, with several citing health fears as a major reason.
Bogut predicted more would pull the pin on their Olympic dreams because of concerns of contracting a virus such as Zika or malaria.
“I’m sure there are probably going to be more athletes dropping out,’’ he said.
“As of now I’m 100 per cent committed but I’m eagerly reading news articles and whatever I can to get more information about it and following it closely.
“I’m definitely concerned but as of now I’m going.’’
Melbourne born-and-bred Bogut said athletes were worried about a lack of information coming out of official channels about the dangers they could face in Rio.
“The issue is the Olympic committee and the AOC are saying everything is fine,’’ he said.
“Like no s***, they want you to go.
“So I take with a grain of salt what they are putting out.
“There are people in the World Health Organisation and other prominent doctors around the world that are raising concerns so I’m reading into those.
“I might have to but a ‘haz mat’ outfit to arrive.’’
Brazil is the epicentre of the Zika virus, a difficult to detect infection in adults which causes microcephaly and other abnormalities in newborns.
It is particular concerns for pregnant women.
About 500,000 foreign tourists are expected to visit Rio for the Games, raising more fears about people becoming infected and returning home.
Twitter:@rolfep
Originally published as Austalia’s NBA star Andrew Bogut said he would consider pulling out of Olympics due to Zika virus
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