BRUSSELS, Oct 23 (Reuters) — Belgian Paralympian Marieke Vervoort died by euthanasia on Tuesday aged 40 after a battle with an incurable and degenerative spinal condition. Vervoort, who won Paralympic gold in the 200 metres wheelchair race in the London Games in 2012, had signed euthanasia papers in 2008 in Belgium, where it is legal, and died in accordance with her wishes late on Tuesday. Vervoort, who also won silver medals in London and at Rio in 2016, was diagnosed with the painful condition as a teenager and retired from competition after the Rio Games. “Despite her physical limitations she had a impressive sporting career,” the town said. “But your pain is also gone, you have done your last lap, you have waited long enough, your big battle has been fought.”

Source: National Post October 23, 2019 12:33 UTC