Olympic long-jump champion and London 2012 hero Greg Rutherford freezes his sperm over fears he will contract Zika virus in Rio
Mosquito-borne virus can cause crippling birth defects and the London 2012 hero and girlfriend is not taking any risks
GREG RUTHERFORD has frozen his sperm over fears he will contract the Zika virus at the Rio Olympics.
The summer games are set to go ahead in August despite the outbreak of the horrific mosquito-borne virus and 150 health experts signing a letter urging organisers to move or delay the event.
Rutherford and girlfriend Susie Verrill are taking now risks as they fear catching the virus that can cause crippling birth defects.
Verrill said: "The Zika news has caused no end of concern if we’re totally honest.
"We’re not ones to worry unnecessarily, but after more than 100 medical experts stressed the Games should be moved to prevent the disease from spreading, this was a huge factor in us choosing to stay put.
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"We’ve also made the decision to have Greg’s sperm frozen. We’d love to have more children and with research in its infancy, I wouldn’t want to put myself in a situation which could have been prevented.
"Specialists still also don’t know the ins and outs of Zika, so even though it looks as though there’s no real issues should Milo get bitten, it’s just another thing we don’t want to chance."
The World Health Organisation has given the Games the all-clear to go ahead but some British athletes have been advised to stay inside to avoid the virus and any other diseases.
Rutherford's partner also spoke about how she will not be travelling to Rio as she cannot get a ticket to support the London 2012 hero.
Verill added: "Come August, Greg will be travelling to Rio to undertake a job and I’ll be staying at home.
"No less supportive than I’d be if I was there with him and with all our loved ones who also want him to succeed."