Athlete Considering Euthanasia After 2016 Rio Paralympic Games
Marieke Vervoort, a Belgian Paralympian set to compete at Rio 2016, has said she is "thinking about euthanasia" after the Games because of the pain caused by her incurable degenerative spinal disease that prevents her from sleeping.
She told the Daily Express (h/t John Carney of the Daily Mail Australia): "I have a bucket list, including stunt flying, and I have started thinking about euthanasia."
Speaking to Le Parisien (h/t Carney), she said: "Everybody sees me laugh with my gold medal, but no one sees the dark side. I suffer greatly, sometimes sleeping only 10 minutes a night—and still go for the gold. Rio is my last wish."
According to Duncan Wright of the Sun, she added: "I want everyone to have a glass of champagne in hand, and a thought for me. ... There is a chance to medal, but it will be very hard because the competition is very strong. Then we’ll see what life brings me, and I try to enjoy the best moments."
On Monday, the wheelchair sprinter shared a snapshot of her training for the Rio Paralympics, which begin on Wednesday and will be her last competition:
