The cycling champion died after a “sudden medical episode” at her home in Adelaide, officials said.
WASHINGTON — Australian Paralympic cyclist Paige Greco, a Paralympic gold medalist and one of the country’s top para-sport athletes, has died at age 28.
Greco died Sunday after experiencing a “sudden medical episode” at her home in Adelaide, according to a joint statement from the Australian Paralympic Committee and the Australian Cycling Federation
“Paige meant everything to us,” her mother, Natalie Greco, said in the statement. “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.”
Greco, who was born with cerebral palsy, won Australia’s first gold medal of the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021, breaking her own world record in the women’s C1-3 3,000-meter individual pursuit. She later added two bronze medals in the road race and time trial.
She remained one of the sport’s most consistent performers. In August, Greco won another bronze at the para-cycling world championships in Belgium in the C3 road race, BBC news said. She also earned multiple world titles and World Cup medals after entering para-cycling in 2018, following a switch from para-athletics.
Officials said the loss was being felt across the Australian Paralympic and cycling communities.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic news of Paige’s death,” AusCycling CEO Marne Fechner said. “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.”
Cameron Murray, Chief Executive Officer of Paralympics Australia, said the loss of one of the brightest young stars of the Australian Paralympic Movement was devastating.
“The sadness being felt across Paralympics Australia today is a reflection of the enormous regard in which she was held,” said Cameron Murray, Chief Executive Officer of Paralympics Australia. “Paige was an extraordinary athlete, but more importantly, a remarkable person.
“Her 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. She had a rare ability to make people feel included and supported, and her influence will no doubt leave a lasting impression on so many.”
Her family asked for privacy as they continue to grieve.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.