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Australian Paralympic Gold Medallist Paige Greco Dies at 28
Paige Greco, the Australian para-cyclist who secured the nation's first gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, died on Sunday at her Adelaide home following a "sudden medical episode," according to AusCycling, the country's cycling governing body. She was 28.
Family Mourns a "Kind, Determined" Champion
Greco's mother, Natalie, described the family as "devastated" but "incredibly proud" of her daughter's legacy. "Paige meant everything to us," Mrs. Greco said in a statement released by AusCycling. "Her kindness, her determination, and her warmth touched our family every single day."
The athlete, who lived with cerebral palsy, began her sporting career in track and field before transitioning to cycling in 2018. She quickly rose to prominence, collecting multiple World Championship titles and World Cup medals.
Record-Breaking Paralympic Triumph
At the Tokyo 2020 Games, Greco shattered the world record in the women's C1-3 3,000m individual pursuit, a head-to-head track event. She later added two bronze medals in the road race and time trial.
Though health issues kept her from competing at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, she returned to elite competition this year, earning a bronze in the C3 road race at the 2025 Para-Cycling World Championships in Belgium last August, The Guardian reported.
Tributes Pour In for a "Rare Spirit"
AusCycling CEO Marne Fechner hailed Greco as an "extraordinary athlete" whose accomplishments were matched by her "positive spirit and courageous outlook." Fechner noted her impact extended far beyond the track: "She touched the lives of everyone around her."
"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."
Cameron Murray, CEO, Paralympics Australia
Murray added that Greco possessed a "rare ability to make people feel included and supported," leaving a legacy that would "no doubt" endure in the sporting community and beyond.
