Paralympic gold-medal winning cyclist dies, aged 28
Paige Greco has been described as one of Australia's brightest para-sport stars.
Australian Paralympic gold-medal-winning cyclist Paige Greco has died suddenly at just 28, with her family and sporting community devastated by the loss of the much-loved young athlete.
Greco, who had cerebral palsy, passed away after what authorities said was a “sudden medical episode” at her Adelaide home on Sunday.
The champion cyclist won Australia’s first gold medal at the Paralympic Games in 2021, when she set a world record in the women’s C1–3 3000m individual pursuit.
Greco also collected two bronze medals at the Tokyo Paralympics and multiple world championship titles and world cup medals.
“Paige meant everything to us,” her mother Natalie Greco said on Monday in a statement issued by AusCycling and Paralympics Australia.
“Her kindness, her determination and her warmth touched our family every single day.
“She brought so much joy and pride into our lives, and the pain of her passing is something we will carry forever.
“While we are devastated by her loss, we are incredibly proud of the person she was and the way she represented Australia.”
The family said they were grateful for the support shown by those connected to Paige, including her teammates and friends, adding that they took comfort in knowing she was widely loved.
“We are grieving deeply and ask for privacy, time and space to navigate this overwhelming loss,” Natalie Greco said.
Greco won two bronze medals at the Tokyo Paralympics. Photo: Paralympics Australia
AusCycling said that beyond her athletic achievements, Greco would be remembered for her “humility, generosity, and the genuine joy she brought to every team environment”.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic news of Paige’s death,” said Marne Fechner, CEO of AusCycling.
“Paige was an extraordinary athlete who achieved outstanding accomplishments at the highest levels of our sport.
“Much more than that, she touched the lives of everyone around her with her positive spirit and courageous outlook.”
Paralympics Australia chief executive officer Cameron Murray said the sadness being felt across the organisation was a reflection of the “enormous regard” in which Greco was held.
Her described her as one of the brightest para-sport stars in the nation.
“Paige was an extraordinary athlete but more importantly, a remarkable person,” Murray said.
“As a Paralympian, Paige represented Australia with a level of commitment and composure that earned the admiration of everyone who had the privilege to watch her compete or to work alongside her.
“Her achievements on the international stage were exceptional.
“But it was her kindness, her quiet determination and the way she uplifted people around her that will stay with us all.”
Retired Olympic gold-medal-winning track cyclist Anna Meares is among fellow athletes paying tribute to Greco, posting on social media that she was “in utter shock”.
“Sending love to all her family and friends and all in the cycling, para, and sport communities,” Meares wrote.
–with AAP
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