Australian Paralympic champion Paige Greco has died at just 28, prompting an outpouring of grief across the sporting community.
AusCycling confirmed the para-cyclist passed away on Sunday at her home in Adelaide after what the organisation described as a “sudden medical episode”.
Greco’s family, in a statement shared by the governing body, said they are “devastated by her loss, [but] incredibly proud of the person she was and the way she represented Australia.”
Her mother Natalie continued, “Paige meant everything to us. 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.”
Greco, who had cerebral palsy, first rose through the ranks as a track-and-field athlete before moving into para-cycling in 2018.
Her impact was immediate. At the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games she delivered Australia’s first gold of the competition, breaking the world record in the women’s C1–3 3,000m individual pursuit.
She later added two bronze medals in the C1–3 road race and time trial.
The news of her death has deeply affected athletes, officials and supporters around the country. AusCycling CEO Marne Fechner remembered Greco as an “extraordinary athlete who achieved outstanding accomplishments at the highest levels of [the] sport”, adding, “Much more than that, she touched the lives of everyone around her with her positive spirit and courageous outlook.”
Paralympics Australia chief executive Cameron Murray echoed those sentiments, saying:
“Paige’s 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.” He added, “She had a rare ability to make people feel included and supported, and her influence will no doubt leave a lasting impression on so many.”
Greco’s legacy, defined by excellence, resilience and an unmistakable warmth, will continue to resonate across Australian sport.
