Pau Gasol considers skipping Rio Olympics due to Zika virus

Chicago Bulls star Pau Gasol is considering skipping playing for his native Spain in the Rio Olympics due to the Zika outbreak and concerns.

In just over two months, plenty of the world’s top athletes are set to head to Brazil and represent their home countries in the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. At the same time, there is growing concern that the games shouldn’t take place due to the growing concern over the Zika virus in the country.

While some health experts have said the Rio Olympics should either be postponed or relocated, officials haven’t indicated that either one of those options will be considered. That means many athletes are having to decide between representing their country or staying home.

The latest athlete to say they are considering skipping the games is Chicago Bulls forward Pau Gasol. The native of Spain admitted to the Associated Press that he is thinking about not traveling to Brazil due to the concerns surrounding Zika:

"”It wouldn’t surprise me to see some athletes deciding not to participate in the games to avoid putting their health and the health of their families at risk,” Gasol said, adding that he was among the athletes making such considerations.”I’m thinking about (whether or not to go),” he said. ”Just like every athlete, or any other person considering going to Rio, should be thinking about it.”"

Gasol has been a part of the Spanish National Team that has won silver medals at the last two Olympic Games, finishing behind the United States each time.

Several other big name athletes who have expressed concern over playing the game in Brazil with the mosquito born disease being prevalent include golfer Rory McIlroy and US Women’s soccer team stars Hope Solo and Alex Morgan.

The 2016 Rio Olympics begin on August 5 and will finish on August 21.

For more Rio Olympics news, check out our Olympics hub page.