NANTERRE, France — Slovakia swimmer Tamara Potocka collapsed poolside Friday morning after a qualifying heat of the women’s 200-metre individual medley at the Paris Olympics and was given first aid and then carried off on a stretcher.
Potocka, 21, was seen wearing an oxygen mask as she was taken away for medical attention. Medical personal at the pool said she was conscious.
Potocka collapsed as she got out of the water and almost immediately was surrounded by a half-dozen medical attendants who put her on a stretcher after about a minute and carried her off the pool deck.
It was not clear if she received CPR.
Potocka finished seventh in her heat in a time of 2 minutes, 14.20 seconds. Her time was not fast enough to advance her to the semifinals of the event, which eliminated her from the competition.
Slovakian swimmer Barbora Potocka made headlines at the Olympics when she collapsed during the 200-meter individual medley heat. The incident occurred during the preliminary rounds of the event, leaving spectators and fellow competitors shocked and concerned for Potocka’s well-being.
Potocka, who was competing in her first Olympics, was seen struggling in the water before suddenly losing consciousness. Lifeguards quickly rushed to her aid, pulling her out of the pool and administering medical assistance. The cause of Potocka’s collapse is still unknown, but it is believed to be related to exhaustion or possibly a medical condition.
The incident serves as a reminder of the physical and mental toll that competitive swimming can take on athletes. The 200-meter individual medley is a grueling event that requires swimmers to excel in four different strokes – butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle – all in one race. The intense training and pressure of competing at the highest level can push athletes to their limits, both physically and mentally.
Potocka’s collapse also highlights the importance of proper training, preparation, and support for athletes competing in high-stakes events like the Olympics. While incidents like this are rare, they serve as a sobering reminder of the risks that athletes take when they push themselves to the limit in pursuit of their dreams.
Thankfully, Potocka was reported to be in stable condition following the incident and was receiving medical attention. Her resilience and determination to compete at the highest level are commendable, and we wish her a speedy recovery. As the Olympics continue, let us remember the dedication and sacrifice that athletes like Potocka make to represent their countries on the world stage.