USOC CEO Scott Blackmun yesterday said that he "hasn’t been contacted by any athletes" over concerns of the Zika virus, and the only reservations he has heard "were public comments made last month" by USWNT G Hope Solo, according to Nancy Armour of USA TODAY. Blackmun: "We know it’s a legitimate concern, and one of the difficulties is there is uncertainty. The uncertainty is making it a bigger concern than it would be otherwise.” Armour notes neither Blackmun nor the USOC "is minimizing Zika or concerns about it." The USOC has "established an infectious diseases advisory panel, which includes two female physicians, to identify and advise athletes about best practices." The USOC is "waiting to hear what Rio organizers will provide as far as mosquito netting and bug repellant, but Blackmun gave assurances that the USOC will equip the Americans with whatever else is needed to protect themselves." He said, “The real question is what do we tell the pregnant athlete? What do we tell her? Do we tell her you shouldn’t go or do we tell her you need to think carefully about this?” (USA TODAY, 3/8).
RIGHT TO CHOOSE: In DC, Dave Sheinin notes the USOC "will stop short of advising athletes or their families whether they should proceed to Brazil for the Summer Games, or stay back as a precaution." Blackmun said, “It’s going to be up to each individual athlete to make his or her decision. We don’t want to be in the business of making health policy.” U.S. swimmer Natalie Coughlin said, “There are steps you can take to protect yourself. And while we are gathering information about this virus, I’m just going to continue to do what I’ve done in the past: Listen to the people who are the true scientists.” Fellow U.S. swimmer Conor Dwyer added, "We’re still a ways away. I think we’ll know closer to the games whether people should or shouldn’t go" (WASHINGTON POST, 3/8). In S.F., Ann Killion notes the 33-year-old Coughlin, a woman of child-bearing age, is the kind of athlete "who might be most impacted by the Zika scare." Coughlin said, “It is an issue. But I’m not too overly concerned at this point. I’ve been to the Olympic Games three times, and there’s always a story. In 2004 (Athens), it was terrorism. In 2008 (Beijing), it was pollution" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 3/8).
NO NEED TO PANIC: The USOC said that "calling for something drastic -- say, moving the Olympics or insisting the Russians don't compete in track -- isn't necessary." Blackmun: "We have to recognize what our role is. We're one of 200 countries that participates in the Olympic Games. By definition, you have to have someone in charge of the overall project. Every single Games brings its own unique set of challenges that causes people to question whether the Games should've been awarded to X." The AP noted the USOC "has no desire to call out" the IOC, WADA or the next host of the Olympics, nor does it "want to start preaching to international partners and competitors about doping, morality and the environment." The USOC "isn't taking things that far." USOC Chair Larry Probst said he is confident track's governing body, the IAAF, and WADA "will do everything they can to protect the clean athlete" as those agencies continue investigations into both Russia and Kenya (AP, 3/7).
