Shock at Olympics Paris: Athlete needs resuscitation at poolside

A medical emergency overshadowed the swimming competitions at the Paris Olympics. Slovak swimmer Tamara Potocka collapsed at the poolside.

On Friday (August 2), the swimming competitions at the Olympics were overshadowed by a severe medical incident. The 21-year-old Slovak swimmer Tamara Potocka collapsed immediately after her heat in the 200-meter individual medley at the La Défense Arena in Paris. Paramedics rushed to provide first aid.

Expert Brandt cannot recall similar incidents

While ARD commentator Tom Bartels and expert Dorothea Brandt were discussing German swimmer Isabel Gose’s chances in the upcoming 800-meter freestyle heat, Bartels reported: “We are a bit behind schedule because there was a medical emergency during the 200-meter individual medley heats. We haven’t seen this in a long time, but a Slovak athlete, Tamara Potocka, really collapsed here and had to be resuscitated immediately; oxygen was administered.”

Expert Dorothea Brandt remarked on the urgency of the medical intervention: “I can’t remember experiencing anything like this, happening so acutely at the poolside.”

ARD shows footage of swimmer being transported away

According to Brandt, such medical issues typically occur behind the scenes, often triggered by a significant rise in lactate levels after intense physical exertion.

ARD also showed footage of Potocka being carried out of the arena on a stretcher. The organizers had to temporarily pause the competitions to address the medical situation. Later, Bartels provided a brief update, stating that Potocka was “doing well under the circumstances.”