THREE of Oxfordshire’s leading athletes say they will not hesitate to compete at the Rio Olympics – despite fears over the Zika virus.

The mosquito-borne disease has been linked to causing birth defects, prompting British long jumper Greg Rutherford to freeze his sperm.

But rower Constantine Louloudis, hurdler Lawrence Clarke and triple jumper Nathan Douglas say they will not be taking the same precaution.

And the trio are focused only on performing to the best of their ability in Rio.

In February, the World Health Organisation declared the virus, which is reported to have been transmitted across 60 countries, including Brazil, as a global public health emergency.

But former Oxford Blue, Louloudis, who was officially named in Great Britain’s four a fortnight ago, has only one thing on his mind – winning gold.

“I have not done what he (Rutherford) has, I have not frozen my sperm,” said the 24-year-old.

“I am not at all concerned about it. Mosquito repellent is the one thing we will do.

“Team GB say everything is under control.

“Some journals take a dim view, but my first interest is going there and winning a gold medal.”

Clarke’s place at Rio could be confirmed on Sunday when he bids to finish at least second in the 110m hurdles at the British Championships in Birmingham.

But the 26-year-old, who hails from Christmas Common, near Watlington, echoed Louloudis’s thoughts.

“I am not fussed,” he said.

“If the Foreign Office have not said to athletes ‘don’t go’ there is no issue in my mind.

“Why on earth would they send their best athletes to a place where there is a potential harm? They would not.”

Oxford City athlete Douglas faces a tougher task to ensure selection at the Alexander Stadium this weekend, needing to jump the qualifying standard of 16.85m and finish in the top two.

The 33-year-old sympathises with Rutherford’s decision, but is not concerned about the virus.

He said: “I think Greg is very smart, but I am not too worried.

“Maybe I am being too relaxed, but historically there has always been a lot of issues with major championships over the years.

“In Beijing people were concerned about the smog and when we got there it was fine.

“Regardless, I will be looking to go to Rio.

“We just have to get on with it and focus on what we have to do.

“If it is a danger I am pretty sure the authorities will call it off. I trust them.”