The story so far as the 2016 Olympic Games approach is who won’t be there in August.

And that’s kind of strange, since the idea of a couple of weeks in Brazil, and specifically Rio de Janeiro, used to be an easy sell — even without the bonus of competition featuring the world’s greatest athletes.

For some, it’s not up to them. The Russian track and field team is banned because it’s been found to be too doped up.

Others merely need a break. The odometers of NBA stars such as LeBron James and Stephen Curry necessitate that USA basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski reach a little deeper into the immense pool of American talent for some fresh legs.

Then there’s Rory McIlroy, who is opting out for health reasons. There’s nothing wrong with him physically; he just wants to keep it that way. McIlroy cited the Zika virus, an illness that can be spread by mosquito bites.

This is the first time golf is an Olympic sport since 1904. But McIlroy is among many of the game’s biggest names passing on Brazil.

Adam Scott is out, too, as are Vijay Singh and several others. Some, like Singh, said it’s at least partly due to Zika. Others, including Scott, cited prior commitments.

At last report, Jordan Spieth, Dustin Johnson, Rickie Fowler and Jason Day were all wavering.

Bubba Watson, though, is all-in. So are Henrik Stenson and Sergio Garcia.

Unlike the elite of basketball and golf, the Olympics is the biggest competition of all for many world-class athletes. It’s the major motivator for four years of work. Just getting there is a huge achievement.

“It’s the Olympics,” Gabby Douglas told the Associated Press. “Mosquitoes? Like, whatever. I’m going. This is my shot. I don’t care about no stupid bugs.”

University of Hawaii volleyball coach Dave Shoji has been around the block a few more times than the 20-year-old American gymnastics star, but his attitude is basically the same.

“I’m not too worried about mosquitoes,” said Shoji, who will go to Rio to watch his sons, Kawika and Erik, play for the United States. They are joined by a third former Hawaii high school star, Micah Christenson.

There’s no way any of them would even give a moment’s thought to bowing out.

“For volleyball, it’s a no-brainer. It’s the biggest tournament you can play in, and it only happens once every four years,” Dave Shoji said.

And, despite the Zika virus and reports of violent political unrest, Shoji said Brazil is a great place for volleyball. He’s been there before, to see Kawika play in a junior championship.

“I thought it was fantastic, so much like Hawaii,” the Wahine coach said. “We were outside of Rio, a very small town. Very tropical atmosphere, kids wearing board shorts, on skateboards. They love volleyball there and they have a fantastic training center. I think it’s probably the second-most popular sport after soccer. Great junior programs, club programs.”

Kevin Wong, the volleyball broadcaster from Hawaii, said everyone going to Brazil is taking the proper precautions.

But all agree that a volleyball player passing on the Olympics would be like a golfer declining an invitation to the Masters.

Reach Dave Reardon at dreardon@staradvertiser.com or 529-4783. His blog is at Hawaiiwarriorworld.com/quick-reads.