Filipino swimmer Riannah Chantelle Coleman pulled out of the women’s 100-meter breaststroke heats at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar on Tuesday after experiencing difficulty breathing. The 17-year-old stepped aside to protect her health.

The 100 breaststroke was the second of her three events at the fourth Youth Olympic Games. Team Philippines opted for rest, with Coleman set to return for the 50-meter breaststroke on Friday.

Coleman Withdraws After Breathing Difficulty

Coleman hyperventilated after the 200-meter breaststroke heats on Monday and was attended to by the Games’ medical team. She was cleared to race in the final that day and finished seventh among eight swimmers at the Dakar Olympic Pool.

“It was decided that Riannah would be better off resting for at least two days rather than take the risk in the 100,” said Team Philippines swimming coach Ramil Ilustre. “She’ll have two days to recover for her last event.”

The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) backed the decision, putting her health and safety first. “We cannot risk Riannah’s health and safety, she’s young and she has a whole swimming career ahead of her,” said POC president Abraham Tolentino.

Dakar Heat Tests Youth Olympic Athletes

“It’s the heat,” said Coleman, who will race the 50-meter breaststroke on Friday. Three other swimmers were also treated for hyperventilation on Monday.

The rooms at the Youth Olympic Village have no air-conditioning, and each athlete has been assigned one electric fan to battle the heat and humidity. Each room has four beds.

“Riannah’s really bothered by the heat, in fact she’s requested to have four electric fans to be directed on her bed,” said Chef de Mission Rocky Samson. “It’s the same condition for everyone in the village, all countries.”

Filipino swimmer Jamesryan Mishael Ajido trained Tuesday for his 50-meter freestyle and 50-meter butterfly events on Wednesday. Gymnasts Tchelzy Maayo and Hillarion Palles III checked in at the village on Monday, with competition starting Saturday.