The health status of the swimmer Tamara Potocká who collapsed in front of shocked spectators has been updated by Olympics bosses.
In a shocking incident at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Slovakian swimmer Tamara Potocká collapsed after completing a race.
This left spectators and fellow competitors in distress.
The 21-year-old athlete suffered an asthma attack poolside, prompting a swift response from medical staff.
Tamara Potocká was competing in a heat of the women’s 200-metre individual medley at 10:30 AM BST.
After finishing seventh and missing out on qualification for the later rounds, Potocká clambered out of the water and sat poolside.
She appeared distressed, and moments later, she slumped backward as the next heat was about to begin.
Organizers quickly realized something was wrong and postponed the next swim.
Medical staff rushed to the scene, placing an oxygen mask over Potocká’s face before carefully loading her onto a stretcher.
The incident was witnessed by fellow competitors, including British swimmer Abbie Wood, who looked on in horror.
According to Ivana Lange, Slovakia’s team leader, Potocká suffers from asthma.
The combination of nervous and physical tension contributed to the severity of the attack. Additionally, the absence of her inhaler poolside made the situation worse.
Lange stated, “Tamara has asthma. This whole combination of nervous and physical tension while she did not have her inhaler immediately available to use contributed to the creation of this problem.”
Potocká received oxygen and necessary medication on the scene.
She remains under medical supervision for several hours due to the severity of the attack.
Lange added, “She received oxygen and necessary medication, her condition is constantly monitored. A few minutes ago, the doctor told me that she must be monitored for several more hours.”
For a few moments following Potocká’s swim, it was not immediately apparent that she was in distress.
The live broadcast showed new competitors taking their positions for the next heat.
However, the camera then revealed Potocká, wearing a blue skinsuit, sitting mere feet from the poolside, visibly fatigued. Seconds later, she slumped backward, lying prone on the tiles.
She will remain under medical supervision for several hours, the Slovakian Olympic team confirmed. Image Credits: Getty
Commentators and spectators react
Commentators quickly realized something was amiss as the next heat was delayed.
Medical staff rushed poolside, and the commentators described the scene: “This doesn’t look good… 15,000 people are now watching an athlete surrounded by medical staff and I can assure you it’s absolutely silent in here,” one broadcaster said. “They’ve got a stretcher out, they’ve got an oxygen mask on the athlete, and I’m going to say… this looks very serious.”
Official updates on Potocká’s health
After a tense 30 minutes, the venue’s media manager confirmed Potocká was conscious and under medical assessment, but provided no further details. Later, Slovakia’s Olympic team confirmed that Potocká had suffered an asthma attack and was recovering after receiving oxygen therapy.
The incident involving Tamara Potocká at the Paris 2024 Olympics serves as a stark reminder of the physical and emotional stresses athletes endure.
Thanks to the quick response from medical staff, Potocká is now on the road to recovery. The Olympic community and fans worldwide hope for her swift return to full health.