Australian Paralympic gold medalist Paige Greco has passed away at the age of 28. The Australian Paralympic Committee and Australian cycling federation released a statement confirming her sudden death at her home in Adelaide due to a medical episode on Sunday.
Greco’s mother, Natalie Greco, expressed the family’s deep sorrow, highlighting Paige’s positive impact with her kindness, determination, and warmth. Despite the profound loss, they take pride in how she represented Australia.
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 at the same event.
Renowned for her sporting achievements, Greco garnered multiple world championship titles and World Cup medals. Her remarkable journey began with smashing world records and earning medals at the 2019 track world championship, just a year after transitioning from Para athletics to cycling.
Cameron Murray, CEO of Paralympics Australia, mourned the loss of Greco, describing her as an exceptional athlete and an extraordinary individual. Murray emphasized her impact beyond the sporting arena, highlighting her inclusive and supportive nature that left a lasting impression on those around her.