Slovakia’s Tamara Potocká collapses poolside after Olympic swimming heat

There was drama at the Olympic swimming on Friday morning as Slovakia swimmer Tamara Potocká collapsed poolside after her heat in the women’s 200m individual medley.

Potocká finished seventh in her race, and had climbed out of the water before collapsing on the pool deck. She was provided immediate medical treatment, including being given an oxygen mask. After several minutes of attention from medical staff, Potocká was moved on to a stretcher and carried away in a prone position.

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The swimming heats were delayed for about 10 minutes while Potocká was given medical care. There was a loud cheer of support from the crowd as she was stretchered away.

“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,” Slovakia’s team leader, Ivana Lange, said in a statement. “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.”

A Slovakian official said Potocká did not have an inhaler with her in the arena.

Later in the morning, venue officials said that Potocká was conscious and receiving further medical care.

Canadian prodigy Summer McIntosh qualified fastest in the individual medley. Potocká finished 23rd, meaning she was eliminated from the competition.