Rory withdraws from Olympics - Mod Note #1

ForeRight

What a waste of threads all that political talk was for a year

Mod Note: Leave the politics out of this please.

vienne86

Hi choice. Who will we have now? Lowry or GMac could wihdraw for the same reason.

price690

vienne86 wrote: »

Hi choice. Who will we have now? Lowry or GMac could wihdraw for the same reason.

No they won't, at least not Lowry anyway.

Mcilroy had no intention of going.

price690

price690 wrote: »

No they won't, at least not Lowry anyway.

Mcilroy had no intention of going.

Lowry said a couple of weeks ago he would also have to consider the situation.

Are there any other sports where athletes have been mentioning the threat?

Jawgap

Lowry will likely bail too - just married, and it would not be unreasonable to assume that he and the wife would have some intentions of starting a family.

As has been pointed out there's a big difference between a golfer who can compete for the Majors every year and, for example, a track athlete for whom the Olympics are the pinnacle of their sport.

Carpenter

If he really wanted to go he would it is any excuse not to go for him.

ForeRight

Jason day will pull out too imo. He has already raised concerns about it and with Rory making the decision it will be easy for him now too.

vienne86

Jawgap wrote: »

Lowry will likely bail too - just married, and it would not be unreasonable to assume that he and the wife would have some intentions of starting a family.

As has been pointed out there's a big difference between a golfer who can compete for the Majors every year and, for example, a track athlete for whom the Olympics are the pinnacle of their sport.

I agree with you completely. Harrington may end up representing us in Rio!

donfers

Chivito550 wrote: »

Leave him off, people like him have no place in the Olympic Games! It should be an honour to compete for Ireland in it.

This exactly, he's only Irish when it suits him - his heart is elsewhere. Good riddance I say

valoren

Highly speculative, I know, and call me an old cynic but does this relate to money?

Rory has a multi year, multi million sponsorship deal with Nike as we all know. When you think of golf and Nike. Tiger and Rory are the poster boys.

The Irish delegation kit is sponsored by New Balance (Nike having turned down the offer of being kit sponsors).
Now imagine if Rory were to win a medal or be at the business end of the tournament proper. He would be seen by literally a billion people, the olympics being the most watched and covered global sporting event. On tv screens, newspapers and coverage websites. And he would be seen sporting New Balance apparel. Talk about bad PR.

Is this Nike protecting their 'investment' in Rory while using the Zika as a more than convenient excuse?

Fattes

Chivito550 wrote: »

I was watching a Diamond League athletics meet on Eurosport recently and one commentator asked the other had he heard any athletes discussing the Zika virus in the hotels on the circuit (commentators stay at same hotels as athletes and know the athletes well) and he said he didn’t hear it mentioned even once. Anybody who cares for the Olympic Games would not pull out of it over this.

It’s a convenient excuse. He never wanted to have to make a decision to compete for Ireland because he doesn’t see himself as Irish in that way. If Northern Ireland had a team, he’d be competing, I’ve no doubt.

Bad for golf too. Granted the format is poor for Rio, and it should have been a team event, but having top players pull out will pretty much mean golf’s return to the Games will be a short one.

Leave him off, people like him have no place in the Olympic Games! It should be an honour to compete for Ireland in it.

He has competed as an Irish athlete all his life at underage etc. NI do have a team, Great Britain and Northern Ireland is the official TEAM GB name.

Look he is a young lad, engaged and probably looking to start a family, who can blame him. The Olympics is a non event for golfers they represent their nation at every major and tournament, see recent reaction to Lowry at the weekend for proof of that.

Jawgap

Chivito550 wrote: »

I was watching a Diamond League athletics meet on Eurosport recently and one commentator asked the other had he heard any athletes discussing the Zika virus in the hotels on the circuit (commentators stay at same hotels as athletes and know the athletes well) and he said he didn’t hear it mentioned even once. Anybody who cares for the Olympic Games would not pull out of it over this.

It’s a convenient excuse. He never wanted to have to make a decision to compete for Ireland because he doesn’t see himself as Irish in that way. If Northern Ireland had a team, he’d be competing, I’ve no doubt.

Bad for golf too. Granted the format is poor for Rio, and it should have been a team event, but having top players pull out will pretty much mean golf’s return to the Games will be a short one.

Leave him off, people like him have no place in the Olympic Games! It should be an honour to compete for Ireland in it.

there was a study done a few years ago that looked at how athletes appreciate and calculate risk. It was done in relation to doping, but it's still relevant.

Basically, they asked young athletes - which would you prefer a long healthy life as an also ran or 3 Olympic Golds and dead by 35 - the majority (by some measure) plumped for the medals and death! IIRC, many were even willing to be dead by 35 if it mean at least a silver in their chosen sport.

In summary, athletes do not have the best appreciation of risk.

ForeRight

So many conspiracy theories and back to political talk again here.

Let's look at the facts.
Rory declared to represent Ireland so has already nailed his colours to the mast. There's no changing that wether he played or not in Rio.
The US Olympic committee has told all their athletes that if they have concerns over the virus they should not travel.
The disease is spread by mosquitos so is a golfer out in the open around swampy waters etc more susceptible to be bitten?
He's not the only golfer who was undecided about going to Rio.
He's a young man, wants to start a family so why take the risk for the sake of an Olympic medal when he is competing for multi million pound majors all year as it is.
Like someone said Lowry said he'd have to consider not going too yet he is a very proud Irish man.

I'm not saying Rory should or shouldn't go but I can see the logic in his decision.

bobbysands81

Zika virus?

A handy excuse for Rory.

Fattes

bobbysands81 wrote: »

Zika virus?

A handy excuse for Rory.

And furniture shops are easy non military targets.

westcork67

Plain and simple - he never wanted to represent Ireland at the Olympics and this is the perfect opportunity for him to drop out - I can understand some degree of concern but if he had any real desire to represent Ireland he would travel.

I would much prefer to be represented by Padraig or Shane! They want to represent their country

ForeRight

westcork67 wrote: »

Plain and simple - he never wanted to represent Ireland at the Olympics and this is the perfect opportunity for him to drop out - I can understand some degree of concern but if he had any real desire to represent Ireland he would travel.

I would much prefer to be represented by Padraig or Shane! They want to represent their country

You can understand the concern and shane said he may not travel either already so does that not dispute your argument?

Keano

donfers wrote: »

This exactly, he's only Irish when it suits him - his heart is elsewhere. Good riddance I say

No politics please.

Fattes

westcork67 wrote: »

Plain and simple - he never wanted to represent Ireland at the Olympics and this is the perfect opportunity for him to drop out - I can understand some degree of concern but if he had any real desire to represent Ireland he would travel.

I would much prefer to be represented by Padraig or Shane! They want to represent their country

He has represented Ireland at every level of his golf career form underage to senior!

Walter H Price

Hard to blame him like , don't know if i'd be risking getting Zika and lets be honest like as big sporting events go the Olympics is a bit Sh*t anyway :P

alxmorgan

Some amount of rubbish being spouted in this thread.
A young man more than likely hoping to start a family pulls out over concerns about a virus that can cause brain defects in unborn children.
Selfish f**ker.....let's have him in chains in the town square altogether.

I refer you all again to my signature...lot of people certain of themselves in this place.

Avatar MIA

bobbysands81 wrote: »

Zika virus?

A handy excuse for Rory.

It may have been suspicious but for lots of other golfers pulling out.

As has been said above these are multi-millionaire sports people, they simply don't rate it highly enough to take a risk.

Contrast that with a 400m runner that by going to the Olympics will achieve a lifetime goal.

LuckyGent88

donfers wrote: »

This exactly, he's only Irish when it suits him - his heart is elsewhere. Good riddance I say

So Rory has represented Ireland throughout his amateur golf career, played for Ireland in the golf World Cup and is sponsoring the Irish open which would be non existant only for him and he chose to represent Ireland in the Olympics but yet yee still don't think he wants to compete for Ireland!!!!!!

Laughable really.

Personally I do think the zika virus has really made his mind up in not playing but I also think he just doesn't believe golf should be in the Olympics especially for professionals. It's just not that big of a deal for pros as illustrated by the withdrawals from it already.

Jawgap

bobbysands81 wrote: »

Zika virus?

A handy excuse for Rory.

Yes, hard to believe he doesn't want to play a sport with such a long pedigree in the Olympics especially as its being played in a country with such a great golfing history

I wonder how many US Ryder Cup players will decline the offer to play there?

whatawaster

bobbysands81 wrote: »

Zika virus?

A handy excuse for Rory.

Have you represented Ireland as much or as well as McIlroy?

Joe_ Public

Avatar MIA wrote: »

It may have been suspicious but for lots of other golfers pulling out.

As has been said above these are multi-millionaire sports people, they simply don't rate it highly enough to take a risk.

Contrast that with a 400m runner that by going to the Olympics will achieve a lifetime goal.

That's absolutely it, 100 per cent in my book. Not worth getting worked up about.

Nift

Fattes wrote: »

He has represented Ireland at every level of his golf career form underage to senior!

Yeah but before he really cracked it. He is Northern Irish, he said it himself. Golf is all island like rugby but unfortunately the Olympics is the Republic competing under the tri-color. Zika is a convenient excuse and to the person who said no politics...i mean wtf? How else can you frame a decision like this? Well least we have a real Irishman in Lowry competing.

sligeach

Avatar MIA wrote: »

It may have been suspicious but for lots of other golfers pulling out.

As has been said above these are multi-millionaire sports people, they simply don't rate it highly enough to take a risk.

Contrast that with a 400m runner that by going to the Olympics will achieve a lifetime goal.

Exaggeration much? There's about 10 if even. I can only think of about 5 off hand.

whatawaster

Nift wrote: »

Yeah but before he really cracked it. He is Northern Irish, he said it himself. Golf is all island like rugby but unfortunately the Olympics is the Republic competing under the tri-color. Zika is a convenient excuse and to the person who said no politics...i mean wtf? How else can you frame a decision like this? Well least we have a real Irishman in Lowry competing.

He has pretty much single-handedly saved the Irish Open from complete and utter mediocrity.

And what if Lowry doesn't compete? Is he not Irish then either?

Nift

Avatar MIA wrote: »

It may have been suspicious but for lots of other golfers pulling out.

As has been said above these are multi-millionaire sports people, they simply don't rate it highly enough to take a risk.

Contrast that with a 400m runner that by going to the Olympics will achieve a lifetime goal.

Yeah Neymar, that penniless footballer from Barcelona, will be competing for the good of his health. Jesus only three other golfers have withdrawn and Singh would be one of the few competing for his country. Laughable how people in the Republic love Rory so much, even though he has pretty much stated that he is Northern Irish. He supports Irish golf, much the same way Rory Best captains the Irish rugby team...it's an all island association. The Olympics is not. It's exactly the reason there will never be a UI, people just doesn't get it. The tri-colour isn't his flag, he doesn't compete under it at say the world cup, but he does at an olympics - because it's a republic of Ireland team. Yes Zika is a legitimate concern for him, but its a very curious turnaround from a few weeks ago. Is it any co-incidence that the North's games and success in Euro 2016 may have actually made him re-consider?

ForeRight

Nift wrote: »

Yeah but before he really cracked it. He is Northern Irish, he said it himself. Golf is all island like rugby but unfortunately the Olympics is the Republic competing under the tri-color. Zika is a convenient excuse and to the person who said no politics...i mean wtf? How else can you frame a decision like this? Well least we have a real Irishman in Lowry competing.

Before he cracked it????
What does that mean?

You do realise Lowry has said he may not go either already

Jawgap

Nift wrote: »

Yeah but before he really cracked it. He is Northern Irish, he said it himself. Golf is all island like rugby but unfortunately the Olympics is the Republic competing under the tri-color. Zika is a convenient excuse and to the person who said no politics...i mean wtf? How else can you frame a decision like this? Well least we have a real Irishman in Lowry competing.

Pure speculation on my part, but I reckon Lowry won't go. He's clearly, imo, got the game to win a Major or several - he's just married, why would you risk it?

swimming in a sea

Any golfer would like to win a gold medal but I think for a European golfer it would come 6th best achievement after the 4 majors and Ryder Cup. Like Tennis I wonder if Novak Djokovic will risk going to Brazil when he may have a chance at having a Grand Slam year with the US open coming just after the Olympics.

Tilikum

If I was him there's no way I'd go either.

chillin117

As said earlier Olympics is the pinnacle for most of the competitors but it's not for a millionaire Golfer. It's non league stuff for Mc Ilroy. Only gets in the way of business (making money,keeping sponsors happy etc). Virus was a handy out !

sligeach

I knew Rory would pull out. I wonder did last nights Northern Ireland Euro match play a part or reconfirm his decision? Did he sing the English anthem beforehand? Would he want to stand for the Irish anthem?

Mitch Connor

chillin117 wrote: »

As said earlier Olympics is the pinnacle for most of the competitors but it's not for a millionaire Golfer. It's non league stuff for Mc Ilroy. Only gets in the way of business (making money,keeping sponsers happy etc). Virus was a handy out !

Being a Gold medalist wouldn't please his sponsors? REALLY?

Jawgap

It's also worth noting that while birth defects are the best known impact of this virus - there are also issues around it causing reactive arthritis and other joint related conditions......

......and he'd playing on a course with a lot of water!

Avatar MIA

Nift wrote: »

The tri-colour isn't his flag,

I've zero issue with this. Why would this bother me?

PARlance

valoren wrote: »

Highly speculative, I know, and call me an old cynic but does this relate to money?

Rory has a multi year, multi million sponsorship deal with Nike as we all know. When you think of golf and Nike. Tiger and Rory are the poster boys.

The Irish delegation kit is sponsored by New Balance (Nike having turned down the offer of being kit sponsors).
Now imagine if Rory were to win a medal or be at the business end of the tournament proper. He would be seen by literally a billion people, the olympics being the most watched and covered global sporting event. On tv screens, newspapers and coverage websites. And he would be seen sporting New Balance apparel. Talk about bad PR.

Is this Nike protecting their 'investment' in Rory while using the Zika as a more than convenient excuse?

When the Olympics were announced, I flagged the same. He is Mr. Nike, there's no way they would be happy seeing in New Balance gear. How much pressure, if any, will never be known. If I Nike and paying him 200 million, the potential of him winning Olympic goal in some other gear wouldn't sit too well.

I would say it's a combination of many issues:
1.The Olympics isn't a big event for these top golfers.
2. Zika.
3. Nike.
4. The repeat of the abuse when deciding would have happened again when playing.
5. The format and course do nothing to draw them.

Mantis Toboggan

I thought the zika virus only affected females. Not overly concerned with this but it is disappointing.

ForeRight

sligeach wrote: »

I knew Rory would pull out. I wonder did last nights Northern Ireland Euro match play a part or reconfirm his decision? Did he sing the English anthem beforehand? Would he want to stand for the Irish anthem?

Great points

Well made.

Can't argue with super facts here

sligeach

chillin117 wrote: »

As said earlier Olympics is the pinnacle for most of the competitors but it's not for a millionaire Golfer. It's non league stuff for Mc Ilroy. Only gets in the way of business (making money,keeping sponsors happy etc). Virus was a handy out !

Say that to the millionaire tennis players.

ForeRight

Tyson Fury wrote: »

I thought the zika virus only affected females. Not overly concerned with this but it is disappointing.

Men carry the virus without symptoms and pass it on to partners through intercourse

Nift

ForeRight wrote: »

Before he cracked it????
What does that mean?

You do realise Lowry has said he may not go either already

Before he started to make serious money. Anyway the guy is clearly Northern Irish and has no time for the Republic. He has time for all Irish golf with no flag, totally different things.

ForeRight

Nift wrote: »

Before he started to make serious money. Anyway the guy is clearly Northern Irish and has no time for the Republic. He has time for all Irish golf with no flag, totally different things.

What about if shane doesn't go? Can you answer that please. He has said he may not already.

Seve OB

price690 wrote: »

No they won't, at least not Lowry anyway.

Mcilroy had no intention of going.

He always intended in going. Might not have been to keen about it, but they were always going till Zika came along.

Nift wrote: »

Yeah but before he really cracked it. He is Northern Irish, he said it himself. Golf is all island like rugby but unfortunately the Olympics is the Republic competing under the tri-color. Zika is a convenient excuse and to the person who said no politics...i mean wtf? How else can you frame a decision like this? Well least we have a real Irishman in Lowry competing.

Said person is a moderator of this forum. My recommendation is you listen to him.

How else would your frame a decision like this. Well I would have thought it was obvious. He has said he isn't going because of the Zika Virus, so that pretty firmly comes down under a Health and Safety decision for me. If you take politics out of that, well then you need to go back to school.

chillin117

Mitch Connor wrote: »

Being a Gold medalist wouldn't please his sponsors? REALLY?

Not while he is wearing a New Balance brand shirt, Nike would be over the moon with delight. http://iaba.ie/team-ireland-olympic-kit-launched/

PARlance

donfers wrote: »

This exactly, he's only Irish when it suits him - his heart is elsewhere. Good riddance I say

Yip, Barretstown, Jack and Jill foundation and all those Irish charities must have held a held a gun to his head.

Seve OB

Nift wrote: »

Before he started to make serious money. Anyway the guy is clearly Northern Irish and has no time for the Republic. He has time for all Irish golf with no flag, totally different things.

you haven't got a clue.

Keano

STOP THE POLITICS TALK OR WE CLOSE THIS THREAD. LAST WARNING