Australian Paralympic gold medalist Paige Greco has passed away at the age of 28. The Australian Paralympic Committee and Australian cycling federation confirmed her sudden death at her Adelaide home due to a medical episode on Sunday.
Greco’s mother, Natalie Greco, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, highlighting Paige’s kindness, determination, and warmth that touched their family daily. Despite the devastation, they are immensely proud of Paige’s representation of Australia and the person she was.
Born with cerebral palsy, Greco made history by clinching the first gold medal at the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021, setting a new world record in the women’s C1-3 3,000-meter individual pursuit. She also secured bronze medals in the road race and time trial during the Paralympic event.
Aside from her Paralympic success, Greco achieved multiple world championship titles and World Cup medals. She made a remarkable entry into Para-cycling by setting three world records, earning two gold medals and a silver at the 2019 track world championship, just a year after transitioning from Para athletics to cycling.
Paralympics Australia CEO Cameron Murray mourned the loss of Greco, describing her as one of the brightest young stars in the Australian Paralympic Movement. He emphasized her exceptional athletic achievements and highlighted her profound impact through kindness, determination, and support towards others.
Murray acknowledged Greco’s unique ability to make people feel included and uplifted, leaving a lasting impression on many individuals. The legacy of Paige Greco’s character and sporting achievements will continue to inspire and resonate within the Paralympic community and beyond.