Medical Emergency Unfolds at La Defense Arena as Slovakian Athlete Tamara Potocka Suffers Severe Asthma Attack After 200-Meter Swim at Paris Olympics

Tamara Potocka, the Slovakian swimmer, was seen in a distressing state by the poolside after her race at the Olympics.

The 21-year-old had just finished competing in the women’s 200-meter individual medley, where she came in seventh, missing out on the semifinals.

Shortly after exiting the water, she was seen sitting by the pool, looking unwell, and then collapsed.

Medical staff quickly sprang into action.

With a concerned crowd watching, they placed an oxygen mask on Potocka and carefully lifted her onto a stretcher.

The young athlete was rushed out of the arena to receive urgent care as her rival, British swimmer Abbie Wood, looked on in shock. The Slovakian Olympic team later confirmed that Potocka had suffered a severe asthma attack.

According to Ivana Lange, the team leader for Slovakia, Potocka’s attack was exacerbated by the combination of nervousness and physical exertion, compounded by the lack of an inhaler.

She has been under continuous medical supervision to ensure her recovery. The incident led to a brief delay in the competition as the medical team attended to Potocka.

Broadcast Reaction

The live broadcast captured the unsettling scene as the next heat of swimmers prepared to enter the pool. The commentators noted the unusual delay and the arrival of medical staff.

The urgency of the situation was evident as they discussed the seriousness of Potocka’s condition, including the use of a neck brace, which added to the concern.

Update on Potocka and Other Athletes

After a tense half-hour, it was confirmed that Potocka was conscious and receiving medical attention.

Despite finishing her race with a time of 2:14.20, she was unable to advance to the next round.

In other Olympic news, South Sudanese athlete Lucia Moris also suffered a serious injury during her 100-meter sprint, and Lithuanian high jumper Airine Palsyte experienced a painful knee injury. Both athletes were stretchered off, highlighting a challenging day for many competitors at the Games.