URGENT UPDATE: The Australian Paralympic community is in shock following the sudden death of record-breaking cyclist Paige Greco at just 28 years old. Authorities confirmed that Greco died at her home in Adelaide on November 16, 2023, after suffering a medical episode.
Her mother, Natalie Greco, expressed her profound grief, stating, “Paige meant everything to us. Her kindness, her determination and her warmth touched our family every single day.” She emphasized the joy and pride Paige brought into their lives and expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from friends and teammates.
Greco was a trailblazer in para-cycling, crowned as Australia’s first gold medalist at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. She broke the world record in the Women’s C1-3 3000m Individual Pursuit and secured bronze medals in both the Women’s C1-3 Road Race and Time Trial events. Her accolades also include multiple World Championship titles and medals, with a notable bronze in the 2025 World Championship Road Race.
As news of her passing spreads, tributes to the “extraordinary athlete” are flooding in. The Australian Sports Commission praised her as a figure who “embodied the spirit of Australian sport,” highlighting her courage and determination that inspired many.
Marne Fechner, CEO of AusCycling, expressed heartbreak over the tragic loss. “Paige was an extraordinary athlete who achieved outstanding accomplishments at the highest levels of our sport,” she said. “Much more than that, she touched the lives of everyone around her with her positive spirit and courageous outlook.”
In a statement, Cameron Murray, CEO of Paralympics Australia, reflected on Greco’s remarkable character. “Her achievements on the international stage were exceptional, but it was her kindness and quiet determination that will stay with us all,” he noted.
Greco’s legacy is one of inspiration, not just for her remarkable athletic feats but for the warmth and inclusivity she fostered among her peers. As the community mourns her loss, they also celebrate the profound impact she had on the sport and the lives she touched.
The cycling community and fans worldwide will continue to honor her memory and contributions, ensuring that Paige Greco’s spirit lives on in every race and every moment shared in her honor.
