The Paris 2024 Olympics were marked by both triumph and concern on Friday, as Slovakian swimmer Tamara Potocka, 21, collapsed following her heat in the women’s 200-meter individual medley. Potocka, who finished seventh in her heat with a time of 2 minutes, 14.20 seconds, fell as she exited the pool at the La Defense Arena.Medical staff rushed to Potocka’s aid, providing immediate assistance poolside before carrying her away on a stretcher with an oxygen mask. According to venue officials, Potocka was conscious and undergoing medical assessment, though it was unclear if CPR was administered. The incident raised concerns about athlete health and safety at the Games.’She is being evaluated by the medical teams and is conscious,’ Olympic officials announced to the public present at the venue. Later reports suggested Potocka may have suffered an asthma attack and was receiving oxygen therapy at a local hospital.This medical emergency occurred against a backdrop of notable achievements at the Games. Earlier, American gymnast Simone Biles clinched her seventh Olympic gold medal in the individual all-around competition, completing what many are calling an epic comeback after her withdrawal from several events at the Tokyo Olympics. In the pool, Katie Ledecky became the most decorated female US Olympian of all time after winning silver in the women’s 4x200m freestyle relay and setting a new Olympic record in the 1500m freestyle.The day also saw 17-year-old Canadian swimmer Summer McIntosh win her second gold medal of the Games. In other swimming news, Germany’s Isabel Gose advanced to the 800-meter freestyle final with the fifth-fastest time in the heats, expressing optimism about her medal chances.As the Paris Olympics continue, the global sporting community remains focused on both the remarkable athletic achievements and the wellbeing of all participants.
Key points
- Slovakian swimmer Tamara Potocka, 21, collapsed after her 200m individual medley heat at the Paris Olympics.
- Potocka was conscious but required immediate medical attention and was taken away on a stretcher.
- Simone Biles won her seventh Olympic gold medal in gymnastics.
- Katie Ledecky became the most decorated female US Olympian.
Contradictions👾There are conflicting reports about Potocka’s exact condition, with some sources mentioning an asthma attack while others do not specify the cause of her collapse.
