Hope Solo may skip Olympics over Zika virus

Richland native and U.S. women’s soccer team goalie Hope Solo said she might skip this summer’s Olympics in Brazil over fear of the Zika virus.

“If I had to make the choice today, I wouldn’t go,” Solo said in a story published Tuesday on SI.com.

There is a possible link between Zika infection during pregnancy and subsequent birth defects, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant take special precautions to avoid mosquito bites if traveling to affected areas such as Brazil.

Solo, 34, who is married to former Seattle Seahawks tight end Jerramy Stevens, told SI.com: “I would never take the risk of having an unhealthy child. I don’t know when that day will come for Jerramy and me, but I personally reserve my right to have a healthy baby. No athlete competing in Rio should be faced with this dilemma. Female professional athletes already face many different considerations and have to make choices that male professional athletes don’t.

“We accept these particular choices as part of being a woman, but “I do not accept being forced into making the decision between competing for my country and sacrificing the potential health of a child, or staying home and giving up my dreams and goals as an athlete. Competing in the Olympics should be a safe environment for every athlete, male and female alike. Female athletes should not be forced to make a decision that could sacrifice the health of a child.”

This story was originally published February 9, 2016 at 6:49 PM with the headline "Hope Solo may skip Olympics over Zika virus."