American soccer star Hope Solo may boycott Rio Olympics over Zika virus

SHE was set to be one of the biggest stars at the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games, but a complicated threat has changed all that.

US women’s goalkeeper Hope Solo — one of the world’s most famous soccer players — said if the Rio Olympics began today, she’d refuse to go because of the Zika outbreak.

The outspoken athlete said she wants to start a family some day and is worried about birth defects that have been linked to the Zika virus.

“If I had to make the choice today, I wouldn’t go,” she told Sports Illustrated.
“I would never take the risk of having an unhealthy child.”

Solo, 34, who is married to former Seattle Seahawks tight end Jerramy Stevens, is the world’s best-known athlete yet to hint at a personal boycott over the disease. Team USA is the defending gold medallists in women’s soccer, in addition to the reigning World Cup champions.

“I don’t know when that day will come for Jerramy and me, but I personally reserve my right to have a healthy baby,” Solo said ahead of Team USA’s friendly Wednesday against Costa Rica. “No athlete competing in Rio should be faced with this dilemma. Female professional athletes already face many different considerations and have to make choices that male professional athletes don’t.

It’s getting out of hand.

“We accept these particular choices as part of being a woman, but I do not accept being forced into making the decision between competing for my country and sacrificing the potential health of a child, or staying home and giving up my dreams and goals as an athlete.

“Competing in the Olympics should be a safe environment for every athlete, male and female alike. Female athletes should not be forced to make a decision that could sacrifice the health of a child.”

Solo’s comments were published Tuesday just ahead of a top Kenyan official saying the African nation might pull out over Zika fears.

Patrick Sandusky, a spokesman for the US Olympic Committee, said: “We are closely monitoring the situation through the CDC and have ongoing contact with the International Olympic Committee, the organising officials in Rio, the World Health Organisation and infectious disease specialists.

“Additionally, we’re taking steps to ensure that our delegation and those affiliated with Team USA are aware of the CDC’s recommendations regarding travel to Brazil.”