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World|sport|September 13, 2016 / 09:57 AM
Rio Paralympics: Belgian Paralympian says not ready for euthanasia yet

AKIPRESS.COM - 7 Belgian Paralympian Marieke Vervoort has said she is still considering euthanasia but, contrary to media reports, will not be ending her life immediately after the Games in Rio, ABC reports.

The 37-year-old, who won a silver medal in the 400 metres wheelchair race on Saturday, suffers from an incurable and degenerative spinal condition and signed euthanasia papers in 2008 in Belgium, where it is legal.

Before the Games, Belgian media reported she might take her life after Rio. But Vervoort rejected the reports in an emotional media conference on Sunday.

"I have my [euthanasia] papers in my hand, but I'm still enjoying every little moment," she said. "When the moment comes when I have more bad days than good days, then I have my euthanasia papers, but the time is not there yet."

Vervoort, who was diagnosed with the painful condition as a teenager and won Paralympic gold in the 100m and silver in the 200m in the London Games in 2012, confirmed the Rio Games would be her last competitive appearance.

She added that having the choice to end her life gave her hope and strength and encouraged a dialogue on assisted dying in countries around the world.

"When I didn't have those papers, I would have committed suicide," she said. "I hope other countries like Brazil can talk about it. It makes people live longer."

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