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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. She advocated
dialogue on assisted dying in countries around the world.
The town of Diest in northern Belgium, where Vervoort was born,
set up a book of condolence and carried a long message on its
website about the woman it called "our Wielemie", a reference to
the wheels of her wheelchair.
"Despite her physical limitations she had a impressive sporting
career," the town said. "Marieke chose euthanasia a few years
ago and followed through on her choice on Tuesday evening."
Local poet Kristien Nys also penned some lines to the
"silver-plated, gold-plated" Vervoort with an iron will and
"angelic patience". Vervoort's smile would no longer be seen.
"But your pain is also gone, you have done your last lap, you
have waited long enough, your big battle has been fought."
(Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop; Editing by Alexandra Hudson)
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