Australian Paralympic cycling champion Paige Greco has died at the age of 28.
AusCycling confirmed that Greco passed away on Sunday at her home in Adelaide following a “sudden medical episode.” Greco, who won Australia’s first gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, was described by her family as someone whose kindness and determination touched everyone around her.
“We are devastated by Paige’s loss but incredibly proud of the person she was and how she represented Australia,” her mother Natalie said in a statement. “Paige meant everything to us.”
Greco, who had cerebral palsy, began her sporting journey in track and field before switching to para-cycling in 2018. She quickly rose to prominence, earning multiple World Championship titles and World Cup medals.
At the Tokyo Paralympics, she set a world record in the women’s C1–3 3,000m individual pursuit and went on to win two bronze medals in the C1–3 road race and time trial events.
Although she missed selection for last year’s Paris Games due to health concerns, she made a successful return to elite racing in 2024, claiming bronze in the C3 road race at the World Championships in Belgium.
Tributes have flooded in from across the sporting world. AusCycling CEO Marne Fechner praised Greco as not only an exceptional athlete but also someone who inspired others with her positivity and courage.
Paralympics Australia CEO Cameron Murray said Greco would be remembered for her generosity, quiet strength and the way she made others feel included.
“Her legacy will leave a lasting impact,” he said.
