Marieke Vervoort: Belgian Paralympic Champion Dies at 40

Marieke Vervoort was a Belgian wheelchair racer. Born on May 10, 1979, in Diest, Belgium, she was diagnosed with a degenerative spinal disease at 21.

She won a gold medal in the 100 meters T52 at the 2012 London Paralympics and a silver in the 400 meters and a bronze in the 100 meters at Rio 2016. She also won world titles in paratriathlon in 2006 and 2007.

She suffered severe pain and said she planned for euthanasia, which is legal in Belgium. Vervoort died by euthanasia in Diest on October 22, 2019, at age 40.

Achievements: Paralympic gold (2012), silver and bronze (2016).

Birth: May 10, 1979 - Diest, Belgium.

Profession: Paralympic athlete.

Interesting Facts: She said she would use euthanasia when her pain grew too great.