Belgian Paralympic wheelchair racer Marieke Vervoort is considering ending her life to bring an end to her pain, but it won't be straight after the Rio Games.
The 37-year-old made international headlines this week after publicly contemplating euthanasia because a degenerative muscle disease leaves her in agony and struggling to sleep.
But after winning silver in the women's 400m T52 on Saturday (Sunday AEST), Vervoort clarified she's in no hurry.
"It's not true. Not right after Rio. We will see," Vervoort said.
The London gold medallist plans to retire from para-athletics after Rio, saying a gold medal would be her "last wish."
Euthanasia has been legal in Belgium since 2002 and Vervoort signed euthanasia papers in 2008, allowing her the freedom to end her life when she chooses.
She stressed that she would only resort to it once her suffering becomes unbearable.
The accomplished athlete still hopes to finish her career on top of the podium when she contests the T52 100m sprint next Saturday.
And in the immediate aftermath of the Games, she has a lot of living to do.
Vervoort has a big bucket list, which includes stunt flying.
"I want to do crazy things and I want to enjoy with family and friends what I couldn't do while I was training," she said.
Vervoort has been outspoken about her suffering in efforts to raise awareness on the controversial topic.
"Everybody sees me laughing and happy with my medals. They don't see the other part of me," Vervoort told French media after her race.
"I can have lots and lots of pain. I sleep sometimes for only 10 minutes."
When the time does come, Vervoort already knows what her funeral will look like.
"It's not going to be in a church. It's not going to be with coffee and some cake," she said.
"I want everybody to have a glass of champagne and to say, `Cheers, Marieke. All the best. You had a good life. Now you are in a better place'."
