While there are sportspersons who have jostled in their best efforts to qualify for the upcoming Rio Olympics 2016, others - including notable, famous players - have pronounced to withdraw their names from the Summer Games, leaving very little for the second largest city in Brazil to attract tourists and fans. With health risks associated with the mosquito-borne Zika virus, polluted waters, high crime rates and terrorism, traffic, civil unrest and a president under pressure, Rio could well be on a level dissimilar to any host city in the past.
According the recent Government figures, the country's economy - the largest in Latin America - was seen toppling in the first quarter of the year. The only silver lining being that the downfall was gentler than expected. The unprecedented political and economic turmoil and nimble spread of Zika virus also led the officials and players' doctors to suggest moving or postponing the games to another location but in vain. The indomitable spirit of Brazil is noteworthy, though, as it held on and is still fighting on to see the games through.
Here's a look at some of the players who have opted out of Rio 2016 Olympics:
NBA star Stephen Curry
Citing his recent ankle and knee injury as the key reason behind backing off from the Rio 2016 Olympics, NBA star Steph Curry could have been a prime attraction at the Rio Games. Undoubtedly, without Curry, Team USA's Olympic victories would face an unexpected downfall.
Tejay van Garderen
American cyclist Tejay van Garderen was the first US athlete to withdraw his name from Rio 2016 Olympics. Quoting his concerns about the Zika virus and its potential effects on his pregnant wife, Garderen had settled quashing his chances to winning a medal at the games. The two-time winner of the USA Pro Challenge was considered as a strong contender in the Men's Olympic road race.
Jordan Spieth
World's No.3 golfer, Jordan Spieth has also decided to refrain from playing for the US in the Summer Olympics, scheduled to begin from 5 August, 2016. Quoting security, the Zika virus and political unrest in Brazil as his concerns, Spieth has indeed broken the hearts of numerous American golf fans.
The absence of these and many more renowned athletes from the Rio 2016 Games would be felt the most, both by the organizers as well the Olympic enthusiasts.
GOLFERS
| S.R. No. | Name | Country |
|---|
| 1 | Jason Day | Australia |
| 2 | Dustin Johnson | United States |
| 3 | Jordan Spieth | United States |
| 4 | Rory McIlroy | Northern Ireland |
| 5 | Adam Scott | Australia |
| 6 | Branden Grace | South Africa |
| 7 | Louis Oosthuizen | South Africa |
| 8 | Hideki Matsuyama | Japan |
| 9 | Charl Schwartzel | South Africa |
| 10 | Marc Leishman | Australia |
| 11 | K.T. Kim | South Korea |
| 12 | Francesco Molinari | Italy |
| 13 | Hideto Tanihara | Japan |
| 14 | Graeme McDowell | Northern Ireland |
| 15 | Victor Dubuisson | France |
| 16 | Matt Jones | Australia |
| 17 | Miguel Angel Jimenez | Spain |
| 18 | Vijay Singh | Fiji |
| 19 | Camilo Villegas | Colombia |
| 20 | Brendon de Jonge | Zimbabwe |
| 21 | Angelo Que | Philippines |
| 22 | Tim Wilkinson | New Zealand |
TENNIS PLAYERS
| S.R. No. | Name | Country |
|---|
| 1 | Nick Kyrgios | Australia |
| 2 | Dominic | Australia |
| 3 | John Isner | United States |
| 4 | Feliciano Lopez | Span |
| 5 | Bernard Tomic | Australia |
BASKETBALL PLAYERS
| S.R. No. | Name | Country |
|---|
| 1 | Steph Curry | United States |
| 2 | Chris Paul | United States |
| 3 | Anthony Davis | United States |
| 4 | Blake Griffin | United States |
CYCLISTS
| S.R. No. | Name | Country |
|---|
| 1 | Tejay van Garderen | United States |
MARATHONERS
| S.R. No. | Name | Country |
|---|
| 1 | Wilson Kipsang | Kenyan |
| 2 | Dennis Kimetto | Kenya |
Last updated on: July 13, 2016
