Jo Pavey says the Zika virus has put athletes in a difficult position
By Coral Barry
Last Updated: 07/06/16 6:51pm
Jo Pavey admits the Zika virus outbreak in Brazil has put athletes in a difficult position ahead of the Olympics in Rio this summer.
Brazil has been seriously affected by the Zika virus, with almost two million people infected, and concerns have been raised that the travelling Olympians and spectators may cause it to spread further across the globe.
Experts have warned the virus can cause microcephaly: a condition which causes babies to be born with abnormally small heads due to brain development problems.
Three-time Olympian, and mother of two, Pavey believes the situation in Brazil has created a worrying situation for any athlete with - or planning to start - a family.
"It puts people in a difficult situation," Pavey told Sportswomen on Sky Sports News HQ.
"Especially people like myself, who are considering starting a family. I'm fortunate that I've had children. It is frustrating, it puts athletes in a very difficult position.
"If I was to be selected, I wouldn't go with my family."
Several potential Olympians have already voiced their concerns about the threat to their families the virus could pose, including golfer Danny Willett, and Pavey admits all the talk about sport feels wrong with the the large number of families already suffering.
"Your heart goes out to these poor people who live in these countries," Pavey said.
"You see these heart-wrenching situations where they've got these poor babies and the affected families.
"As a parent myself, and knowing how fortunate I've been with two healthy children, you feel guilty talking about sport."
