Cause of Slovakian swimmer collapse revealed as eerie silence swept stadium
Updated . First published
The cause of Slovakia's Tamara Potocka collapse on pool deck has been revealed to be an asthma attack.
Potocka was taken from the pool deck on a stretcher after collapsing immediately following her women's 200m individual medley heat.
The atmosphere turned eerily quiet as she fell, with swimming action at La Defense Arena halted while she was carried off.
READ MORE: Insane 77-minute gold rush for Australia
READ MORE: Kaylee McKeown surges into history books
READ MORE: Who is Imane Khelif? The boxer facing gender outcry in Paris
Slovakias Tamara Potocka is taken on stretcher from the pool deck. AP
Slovakia's team leader Ivan Lange confirmed Potocka had been cleared by medical experts to return to the Olympic village late Monday morning (AEST).
"The condition of Slovak swimmer Tamara Potocka has improved significantly after oxygen therapy and the delivery of medication. The swimmer is fine now," the statement read.
"The athlete started the race too quickly (she was leading in her heat after the initial 50 metres) and had breathing problems after finishing the race."
Potocka, 21, was seen wearing an oxygen mask as she was taken away for medical attention.
Medical staff at the pool confirmed she was conscious.
Watch every moment, every medal of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 live and free on Channel 9 and 9Now. Plus, every event streaming ad free, live and on demand with 4K on Stan Sport.
"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 said.
"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."
Potocka finished seventh in her heat in a time of 2:14.20.
Her time was not fast enough to advance her to the semi-finals of the event, which eliminated her from the competition..
She will not compete in any further events at the Games
- Reported with AP
