Tamara Potocka health update after Slovakian Olympics swimmer collapses poolside and given oxygen by concerned medics
A HEALTH update has been given on Olympics swimmer Tamara Potocka.
The Slovakian collapsed poolside and had to be given oxygen in worrying scenes on Friday morning.
Potocka was attended to by concerned medics at La Defense Arena in Paris.
It came after she finished seventh in her 200m individual medley heat.
However, the 21-year-old collapsed as she got out of the pool, with medics rushing to attend her and providing immediate treatment.
Potocka was later stretchered out of the arena in an oxygen mask.
It has since been confirmed she had an asthma attack but is now in a stable condition.
In a statement, Slovakia’s team leader Ivana Langa said: “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.
“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.”
The worrying scenes had seen the next heat suspended after the swimmers had already taken to their blocks.
Instead, they were sent back to their seats whilst Potocka received treatment.
She had recorded a time of 2:14:20 in heat three of the 200m individual medley to rank 23rd overall.
Unfortunately, her time was not enough to advance to the semi-finals.
Potocka is one of two Slovakian swimmers in Paris, with Matej Dusa competing in the men’s 50m freestyle.
Canada’s Summer McIntosh claimed victory in heat three with a time of 2:09:90.
The 17-year-old is amongst the favourites for gold in the event to add to her three medals already in Paris.
McIntosh took gold in the 200m butterfly and 400m individual medley as well as a silver medal in the 400m freestyle.
The 16 fastest swimmers advance to Friday evening’s semi-final before the final takes place just after 8pm BST on Saturday.
