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Olympic Swimmer Tamara Potocka Collapses Following Race

NANTERRE, France — Slovakian swimmer Tamara Potocka collapsed poolside Friday morning after a qualifying round of the women’s 200-meter individual medley at the Paris Olympics due to an asthma attack, as per a team representative.

Potocka, 21, was provided with initial aid and transported on a stretcher while equipped with an oxygen mask. Medical staff at the pool confirmed her consciousness.

“She was moved to the hospital in the Olympic Village, and our team physician is present there, awaiting her arrival,” stated Slovakia Olympic Committee spokesman Lubomír Souček in an interview with The Associated Press over the phone.

Potocka collapsed upon exiting the water and was quickly surrounded by six medical attendants who placed her on a stretcher after approximately one minute, then transferred her from the poolside.

It remains uncertain whether she received cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Israeli swimmer Lea Polonsky, who participated in two events following Potocka, expressed that athletes are aware of the potential dangers in their sport.

“Although it’s in the back of your mind, we constantly strive to push ourselves to the limit,” she remarked. “While it’s not a concern during the competition, it’s always lingering there.”

This marks Potocka’s inaugural appearance at the Olympics. She resides in the capital city of Slovakia, Bratislava.

Potocka finished in seventh place in her event with a time of 2 minutes and 14.20 seconds. Unfortunately, her performance did not secure her a spot in the event’s semifinals, resulting in her elimination from the competition.

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AP Summer Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games

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