Marieke Vervoort of Belgium crosses the line during the Women's 100m - T52 Final at the Paralympic Games in London
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Vervoort celebrates as she wins gold ahead of silver medallist Stilwell of Canada (L) in the Women's 100m T52 Final at the London Paralympics
© • getty images
At the age of 15 she was diagnosed a rare progressive disease which left her in a wheelchair by 2000.
After a few attempts to compete in other sports like basketball, swimming and Ironman, she took up athletics just before the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
It was a good move as she left the British capital with one gold and one silver medal.
In the 100m (19.69) she beat Canada’s world and defending Paralympic champion Michelle Stilwell to take top podium spot, and finished just behind her rival to take silver in the 200m (34.83).
Vervoort was elected as a Belgium Paralympic athlete of the year in 2012. “This trophy means the world to me… It is by far the nicest way to receive recognition for the way I try to put my heart and soul into my sport,” she said upon receiving the award.
Her rivalry with Stilwell between now and Rio 2016 will certainly be one to watch.
