Tamara Potocka, a 21-year-old swimmer from Slovakia, collapsed poolside on Friday morning following her qualifying heat in the women’s 200-meter individual medley at the Paris Olympics. After the incident, she received immediate first aid and was transported on a stretcher.
As she was taken away for further medical care, Potocka was seen wearing an oxygen mask. The medical staff at the venue reported that she was conscious at the time.
The incident occurred shortly after Potocka exited the water, and she was quickly surrounded by several medical personnel who assisted her before carrying her off the pool deck. It remains unclear whether she was given CPR.
Israeli swimmer Lea Polonsky, who competed in two heats after Potocka, acknowledged the risks associated with the sport. “It’s always in the back of your mind, but we push ourselves to the limit every day,” she remarked. “While it’s not something we focus on during the race, the possibility is always there.”
This marked Potocka’s debut at the Olympics. She is from Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. In her heat, Potocka finished seventh with a time of 2 minutes and 14.20 seconds, which did not qualify her for the semifinals, thus ending her participation in the event.
