Who is Paige Greco? Australian Paralympics gold medallist dies at 28 after sudden medical episode

Australian Paralympic cycling champion Paige Greco passed away on Sunday at the age of 28 following a 'sudden medical episode' at her home in Adelaide, her family announced Monday. Greco burst onto the world stage at the Tokyo Paralympics, breaking her own world record on the way to winning gold in the women’s C1-C3 3,000m individual pursuit. Greco later secured bronze medals in both the C1-3 road race and time trial, firmly establishing herself as an elite force in para-cycling across track and road events.

"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." Natalie Greco, her mother, said in a statement released through Paralympic Australia.



"As a family, we are deeply grateful for the support shown by so many people connected to Paige, including her teammates and friends. Paige cherished the connections she made through her sport, and we take comfort in knowing how widely she was loved."

Paige claimed numerous World Championship titles and World Cup podiums throughout her career, including a bronze in the 2025 Road Race, and was instrumental in elevating Para-cycling on the global stage. Her tireless work ethic and enduring positivity made her an inspiration to teammates and a guiding influence for up-and-coming athletes across Australia.

"We are heartbroken by the tragic news of Paige’s death. Paige was an extraordinary athlete who achieved outstanding accomplishments at the highest levels of our sport. Much more than that, she touched the lives of everyone around her with her positive spirit and courageous outlook." said AusCycling chief executive Marne Fechner.

"Our thoughts and condolences are with Paige’s family, friends, teammates, coaches and support staff, past and present, during this incredibly sad and difficult time," Fechner added.

WHO IS PAIGE GRECO?

According to ABC news, Paige Greco, who was born with cerebral palsy affecting the right side of her body, began her Paralympic journey as a runner, initially aiming for the 2016 Rio Games. After narrowly missing selection, she shifted her focus to para-cycling, moving to Adelaide to train with the South Australian Sports Institute while completing a degree in exercise and sports science in 2018.

Greco made her international debut at the 2019 Para-cycling Track World Championships in the Netherlands, where she broke three world records and claimed gold in both the C3 3,000m individual pursuit and 500m time trial. She later secured a road cycling world title that same year.

Greco fulfilled her dream at the Tokyo Paralympics, winning gold and two bronze medals, and went on to earn four more world championship bronzes in 2022 and 2023. Greco missed qualification for Paris 2024 but she returned strongly, winning World Cup and World Championship bronze medals in Belgium in 2025.