Slovakian swimmer Tamara Potocka, 21, collapsed at the poolside after completing her heat in the women’s 200-meter individual medley at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Friday, August 2. The incident, which occurred at the La Defense Arena, was attributed to an asthma attack, according to Team Slovakia.Potocka, who finished 23rd overall with a time of 2 minutes and 14.20 seconds, was immediately attended to by medical staff and lifeguards. She was given oxygen therapy and taken away on a stretcher with an oxygen mask. The next heat was briefly delayed to allow for her evacuation.Ivana Lange, head of the Slovakian team, explained the situation: ‘Tamara Potocka is asthmatic and had an asthma attack after swimming. She didn’t have her medication with her, so she collapsed’. Lange added that the combination of nervous and physical tension, without having her inhaler nearby, contributed to the problem.The Slovakian Olympic Committee spokesperson, Lubomír Soucek, confirmed that Potocka was taken to the Olympic Village hospital for further observation. She was reported to be conscious and able to communicate during the medical treatment.This incident has raised concerns about athlete health and safety at the Olympics. Israeli swimmer Lea Polonsky commented on the risks inherent in competitive swimming: ‘Of course that’s something in the back of your mind, but we do every day push ourselves to the limit. You always know something like that can happen. It’s not something you think about during the race, but it’s always there’.The event organizers assured that Potocka is under close medical supervision and that further updates on her condition will be provided as they become available. This medical emergency serves as a reminder of the intense physical demands placed on Olympic athletes and the importance of proper medical preparedness in high-level competitions.
Key points
- Slovakian swimmer Tamara Potocka collapsed due to an asthma attack after her Olympic heat.
- Potocka did not have her asthma medication with her, contributing to the incident.
- The event has raised concerns about athlete health and safety at the Olympics.
- Potocka is under medical supervision and was able to communicate after the incident.
Contradictions👾While most sources report Potocka finished 23rd overall, one source states she finished 22nd.
This minor discrepancy does not significantly impact the main story.
