DeLaet: 'It should be a privilege to represent your country' at Rio 2016
Mosquitoes be damned.
Graham DeLaet was announced as one of four members of the Canadian Olympic golf team Monday, and let it be known there wasn't a moment's hesitation in accepting the duty.
"It should be a privilege to represent your country, and not a chore," he said, according to Sportsnet's Kristina Rutherford. "And I wouldn't miss it for anything."
His words sharply contrast what many of the world's top golfers have communicated over the last several weeks. Jordan Spieth and Dustin Johnson resigned their spots on the American team, citing concerns over the mosquito-borne Zika virus. Former World No. 1 Rory McIlroy didn't just pull out, but essentially denounced golf's legitimacy as an Olympic event during a press conference at the Open Championship.
Though there are many great competitors in the field and many others, like Phil Mickelson, who want to compete, Canada's men's team of Delaet and David Hearn will increase its chances as defending Olympic champions with the world's best staying home. Canadian George S. Lyon won the last gold medal presented in golf at the 1904 Olympics.
Brooke Henderson and Alena Sharp will represent Canada in the women's event.