Australian Paralympic Gold Medal Cyclist Paige Greco Dies at 28

The athlete, who lived with cerebral palsy, died from a ’sudden medical episode' at her home in Adelaide.

Gold medalist Paige Greco of Team Australia during a medal ceremony at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games at Izu Velodrome on Aug. 25, 2021 in Izu, Japan. Kiyoshi Ota/Getty Images

Australian paralympic cyclist and gold medalist Paige Greco has died at 28 after experiencing a “sudden medical episode,” the Australian Paralympic Committee and AusCycling confirmed Nov. 17. Greco died on Nov. 16 at her home in Adelaide.

“Paige meant everything to us,” her mother, Natalie Greco, said on behalf of the family. “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. While we are devastated by her loss, we are incredibly proud of the person she was and the way she represented Australia.

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

The exact circumstances surrounding her death remain unknown. Greco was born with cerebral palsy, a condition that contributes to impaired muscle coordination as a result of damage or disruptions to the brain.

Greco won her first gold medal for Australia during the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games while competing in the Women’s C1–3 3,000 meter Individual Pursuit. In para-cycling, the “C” denotes use of a standard bicycle, and the number stands for level of impairment.

She broke the world record, winning her race in 3 minutes, 50.815 seconds, before going on to earn bronze medals in the Women’s C1–3 Road Race and Time Trial.

“The sadness being felt across Paralympics Australia today is a reflection of the enormous regard in which she was held,” CEO of Paralympics Australia Cameron Murray said in a statement.

“Paige was an extraordinary athlete, but more importantly, a remarkable person,” Murray continued. “As a paralympian, Paige represented Australia with a level of commitment and composure that earned the admiration of everyone who had the privilege to watch her compete or to work alongside her.”

Her cycling accomplishments include numerous World Championship titles and World Cup medals as well as a 2025 World Championship bronze in the Road Race.

At the UCI Para Cycling Track World Championships in 2019, Greco won two gold medals and a silver after switching from para-athletics to cycling.

In just two days, she set three world records and was ranked No. 5 in the International Paralympic Committee’s Top 10 moments of the year.

“We are heartbroken by the tragic news of Paige’s death,” said Chief Executive Officer of AusCycling Marne Fechner. “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.”