Jason Day, currently ranked World No 1 in golf, has withdrawn from the upcoming Olympics in Rio de Janeiro because of the threat posed by the Zika virus. The 28-year old Australian made the announcement on his official Twitter page.

"It is with deep regret I announce I will not competing in the 2016 Summer Olympics this coming August in Rio de Janeiro," said Day. "The reason for my decision is concerns about the possible transmission of the zika virus and the potential risks that it may present to my wife's future pregnancies and to future members of our family."

Though golf is making a return to the Olympics after more than a century – it was last played at the 1904 edition – Jason Day is one of several golfers to pull out for this reason. Four-time major champion Rory McIlroy has already withdrawn, along with Vijay Singh and Marc Leishman. Other athletes have also expressed similar concerns.