Paris Olympics swimmer Tamara Potocka collapses by pool in medical emergency as race is suspended

THE Paris Olympics swimming was suspended after Tamara Potocka COLLAPSED at the side of pool in scary scenes.

Medics rushed to the 21-year-old as she made her way poolside after finishing seventh in her 200m individual medley heat.

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She collapsed as she got out of the water and immediately received treatment from staff.

Potocka was then stretchered out of the arena with an oxygen mask.

The venue manager quickly confirmed that she was conscious and under medical assessment.

According to BBC Sport, team Slovakia explained she had an asthma attack.

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Eight swimmers had already taken to the blocks for the following heat while Potocka was receiving treatment, but they were sent back to their seats when race organisers learned the extent of what was happening.

Commentators watched on in horror while the incident unfolded. One person said: "This doesn't look good... 15,000 people are now watching an athlete surrounded by medical staff and I can assure you it's absolutely silent in here.

"They've got a stretcher out, they've got an oxygen mask on the athlete, and I'm going to say... this looks very serious

"They've got the neck brace around so I can only imagine that someone has hit their head and has some kind of trauma - they want to immobilise the athlete. We hope that there's nothing more than that..."

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Slovak swimmer Potocka finished the race with a time of 2:14:20 at La Defense Arena.

Canada's Summer McIntosh won heat three with a time of 2:09:90 and was followed by Yu Yiting of China, Australia's Ella Ramsay and Team GB star Abbie Wood.

The fastest 16 swimmers from the heats qualify for the semi-finals, which are due to take place on Friday evening.

The women's 200m individual medley final is scheduled for Saturday evening, just after 8pm BST.

Canadian swimmer McIntosh is currently one of the favourites for gold.