AFTER GIVING THE decision on who to represent in the 2016 Olympics much thought and deliberation, Rory McIlroy has admitted it should have been the last thing on his mind having played for Ireland all his career.
McIlroy confirmed he would represent Ireland in Rio at the Irish Open in June after reports suggested he was open to the idea of wearing the Team GB colours at the next Olympic games.
However, speaking in an interview ahead of Sunday evening’s RTÉ Sports Awards, McIlroy says he is looking forward to competing in the green of Ireland under the tutelage of Paul McGinley.
“I never dreamed of being an Olympic athlete or winning a gold medal but now that’s that a possibility, I’m going to embrace that,” he told the state broadcaster.
“The last thing that should have been on my mind is who to represent. I came to the conclusion that I’ve always played for Ireland, why would I change that because all of a sudden the Olympic games has given me a choice?
“I’m really happy with the decision and I can’t wait until Rio 2016 and trying to win a gold medal.”
It will be the first time golf is included in the Olympics since 1904. Qualification will be based on the world rankings with the top 15 players automatically securing a place (to a maximum of four per country) while the remaining 45 places will be allocated to the highest-ranked remaining players.
McIlroy enjoyed a peerless year as he won two Majors – the British and the USPGA – as well as returning to the summit of the world rankings.
The 25-year-old is one of 12 nominees for RTÉ’s Sports Person of the Year award alongside Jonny Sexton and Katie Taylor among others.
