NANTERRE, France — Slovakia swimmer Tamara Potocka collapsed poolside Friday morning after a qualifying heat of the women’s 200-meter individual medley at the Paris Olympics. She was given first aid and then carried off on a stretcher.
Potocka, 21, was seen wearing an oxygen mask as she was taken away for medical attention. Medical personal at the pool said she was conscious.
Potocka collapsed as she got out of the water and almost immediately was surrounded by a half-dozen medical attendants who put her on a stretcher after about a minute and carried her off the pool deck.
It was not clear if she received CPR.
Israeli swimmer Lea Polonsky, who swam two heats after Potocka, said swimmers know their sport has inherent risks.
“Of course that’s something in the back of your mind, but we do every day push ourselves to the limit,” she added. “You always know something like that can happen. It’s not something you think about during the race, but it’s always there.”
This is Potocka’s first Olympics. She resides in the Slovakian capital of Bratislava.
Potocka finished seventh in her heat in a time of 2 minutes, 14.20 seconds. Her time was not fast enough to advance her to the semifinals of the event, which eliminated her from the competition.
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AP Summer Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games
Olympic swimmer Tamara Potocka suffered a collapse following a race at the recent Olympic Games, raising concerns about the physical and mental toll that elite athletes face in pursuit of their dreams.
Potocka, a highly decorated swimmer from Poland, had just finished competing in the 200-meter freestyle event when she suddenly collapsed on the pool deck. Medical personnel rushed to her aid and she was quickly taken to a nearby hospital for further evaluation.
The incident has sparked a conversation about the intense pressure that athletes face at the highest levels of competition. Olympic athletes train for years, often sacrificing time with friends and family, in order to compete on the world stage. The physical demands of training and competing at such a high level can take a toll on an athlete’s body, leading to injuries and exhaustion.
In addition to the physical strain, athletes also face immense mental pressure to perform well and live up to the expectations of their coaches, teammates, and fans. The stress of competition can be overwhelming, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
It is important for athletes to prioritize their health and well-being, both physically and mentally. This includes taking breaks when needed, seeking support from coaches and mental health professionals, and listening to their bodies when they need rest.
The incident with Tamara Potocka serves as a reminder of the sacrifices that athletes make in pursuit of their goals, and the importance of supporting them in maintaining their health and well-being. As fans, we should celebrate their achievements while also recognizing the challenges they face behind the scenes.
