Rio 2016, Zika virus concern for British Olympians

British Olympians have described the rapid spread of the Zika virus in Brazil as “devastating and “daunting”.

Brazilian authorities said there was no risk to athletes and spectators, except pregnant women, at the Rio Olympics which runs from 5-21 August. “If it was me I’d be in a very uncomfortable situation,” said ex-world badminton champion Gail Emms. Modern pentathlete Samantha Murray is set to compete in Rio and has been given assurances by Team GB doctors.She said: “It is scary and daunting.” The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the virus a global public health emergency.

“It’s just devastating because this is something that’s your dream and you want it to go perfectly,” added Emms, 38, who won silver at the Athens Games in 2004. “You would feel frustrated, angry, and really worried about your friends and family.  “When I was going to Beijing [Olympics] I was 31 years old and I knew that was my last tournament before retiring, and I wanted to start a family. That would be playing on my mind. “As a mother I can only hope the best solution can be found quickly. I see the pictures and reports and I cry. It’s just absolutely devastating.” (BBC News, 2016)