Hope Solo’s concerns over the Zika virus could force the United States women’s national soccer team to defend its Olympic gold medal without her.
Solo said Thursday on CBS’ “This Morning” show that she’s seriously considering skipping the 2016 Rio Olympic Games because she’s worried she might contract the Zika virus while in Brazil. Solo wants to start a family, and Zika has been linked to thousands of birth defects in recent years.
Solo, Team USA’s longtime starting goalkeeper, is following Brazil’s efforts to eradicate the virus-carrying mosquitos, and she’ll decide on her Olympic participation in the coming months.
Brazil is thought to be the country Zika has hit hardest, and the Olympics are scheduled to run there Aug. 5-21.
The United States Olympic Committee reportedly told various federations in January that athletes should consider sitting out the Olympics if they are worried about contracting Zika.
The United States has won three consecutive women’s soccer gold medals. Solo relishes the chance to win a fourth gold and become the first reigning FIFA Women’s World Cup winner to win Olympic gold.
“First and foremost, we want to be back-to-back champions,” Solo said. “It’s never been done before, and I want to be part of that.”
But Solo, 34, isn’t ready to risk her — and a potential child’s — health for unprecedented glory. Like many who are just starting to learn about the Zika virus, she needs more information.
Click to see photos of Hope Solo, Team USA’s goalkeeper >>
Thumbnail photo via Jerome Miron/USA TODAY Sports Images
