U.S. goalie Hope Solo‘s decision to make herself available for the Rio Olympics did not come easy.
“Begrudgingly, I think, is a good way to put it,” Solo, who has voiced concern about the Zika virus in Brazil for months, said on CNBC on Tuesday. “I’m very excited for the Olympics. It’s never been done, where we’ve won the World Cup and then backed it with an Olympic championship. So, I’m always a competitor first. I want to set a new standard. I want to break records.
“But at the same time, I am very worried about my health. … I’m going to take every precaution necessary. I’m not even sure I’m going to be leaving the hotel room outside of practice.”
Solo, who played every minute in goal at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics and 2011 and 2015 World Cups, said in February that she would not go to the Olympics if she had to choose at that time, citing being uncomfortable with the current situation in Brazil, including Zika.
In April, Solo said she would go to the Olympics but still had concerns about the Zika virus.
On Tuesday, Solo was asked if she could change her mind again. She said she’s committed to going, having talked to her teammates and coach.
“I’m doing everything I can to be fully aware of any situation that may come,” Solo said. “Ultimately, you never know what’s going to happen.”
The U.S. Olympic women’s soccer roster of 18 players — versus 23 for the World Cup — is still to be announced.
