Australian basketball star Andrew Bogut is committed, but wary of participating in this year's summer Olympics to be held in Rio because of the Zika virus. If Bogut withdraws from contention in this year's Olympics that would definitely be a big blow to the Australian men's basketball team.
Earlier this week, Bogut's Golden State teammate Stephen Curry had withdrawn from the 2016 Olympics citing various injuries as a major factor in his decision. Bogut has been luckier injury-wise, but he is still not ruling out the possibility of foregoing this year's Olympic games in favor of his personal health.
"Just being bitten by a mosquito and then come down with something is a pretty scary prospect," Bogut said. "I've had my yellow fever shot already, which is a battle in itself. And then you've got malaria and you've got Zika. So being able to get that from an insect is pretty scary stuff," the Golden State Warriors center adds.
According to reports from the Sydney Morning Herald, Bogut will be more trusting of his personal research about Zika virus and other related diseases, as he has treated safety assurances from both the International and Australian Olympic Committee "with scorn." The reports say that he would also be looking towards more independent bodies such as the World Health Organization for safety assurances, says ABC News.
Bogut's national teammates realize how much of a loss Bogut would be if he doesn't participate in the Rio Olympics. Australian Matthew Dellavedova of the Cleveland Cavaliers and his team were on the receiving end of Bogut's dominance during the second game of their 7-game finals series. Bogut blocked a total of five shots during the whitewash of a win for the Golden State Warriors.
If Bogut does withdraw, he will not be the first one to do so because of the fear of the Zika virus. Cyclist Tejay van Garderen of Team USA has already pulled out of contention because of fears of the virus.
