Olympic swimmer Tamara Potocka collapses by pool in medical emergency as race is suspended

THE Paris Olympics swimming was suspended after Slovak swimmer Tamara Potocka collapsed at the side of the pool in a scary scene.

Medics rushed to the scene as the 21-year-old made her way poolside after finishing seventh in the third heat of the women’s 200m individual medley on Friday morning at the Paris Olympics .

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She collapsed as she got out of the water and immediately received treatment from staff.

Potocka was then stretchered out of the arena with an oxygen mask.

The venue manager quickly confirmed that she was conscious and under medical assessment.

According to BBC Sport, team Slovakia explained she had an asthma attack.

The 21-year-old is currently in the hospital and will continue to be monitored by medical personnel, per the New York Times .

Eight swimmers had already taken to the blocks for the following heat while Potocka was receiving treatment, but they were sent back to their seats when race organizers learned the extent of what was happening.

Commentators watched on in horror as the incident unfolded.

One person said, “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.

“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

“They’ve got the neck brace around so I can only imagine that someone has hit their head and has some kind of trauma – they want to immobilize the athlete. We hope that there’s nothing more than that…”

Slovak swimmer Potocka finished the race with a time of 2:14:20 at La Defense Arena.

This is Potocka’s first time competing in the Olympic games.

She was a four-time finalist in the 2024 European Championships.

Canada ‘s Summer McIntosh won heat three with a time of 2:09:90 and was followed by Yu Yiting of China, Australia ‘s Ella Ramsay, and Team GB star Abbie Wood.

The fastest 16 swimmers from the heats qualify for the semi-finals, which are due to take place on Friday evening.

The women’s 200m individual medley final is scheduled for Saturday.

Canadian swimmer McIntosh is currently one of the favorites for gold.