The Rio 2016 Olympic Games in August is still pushing through despite the zika virus crisis. However, a decision now to allow US athletes not to attend the games if they want to may disrupt the Olympics.
Reuters reported that through a conference call, the United States Olympic Committee has announced to the US Sports federations that athletes as well as staff now has the option to not go to the Olympic Games if they are concerned about the zika virus outbreak. The president and board chairman of USA Fencing, Donald Anthony himself said this, according to those who participated in the call.
This announcement just proved that the United States Olympic Committee is taking the zika virus seriously and recognizing that some athletes and support staff are worried and torn as to whether they should take care of themselves or their careers.
With the United States winning the most medals in the last Olympics, held in London in 2012, this decision might have significant implications on the Rio games.
It is not only the US that is worried about their players. According to BBC, Zika concerns could lead Kenya to withdraw from the Rio Games altogether. The head of Kenya's Olympic committee, Kipchoge Keino reportedly said that they are going to risk their players if the crisis reach "epidemic levels."
Kenya's Olympic committee however said that their head might have been quoted of context so whether or not Kenya will participate in the games in still unclear. Kenya's chef de mission, Stephen K. A. Soi also said that they have high confidence that the Rio games' organizers can handle the crisis and make sure no one will be affected come August.
Brazilian authorities on the hand, remain steadfast on their announcement that the virus poses no risk to the athletes and fans once the games rolled around, except for pregnant women.
Like the United States, Kenya's absence can have a huge affect on the games. Kenya won the most medals at last year's World Athletic Championships.