Paige Greco, Australian Paralympic gold medallist, dies aged 28

After her shock death on Sunday at the age of 28, Australian Paralympic gold medallist Paige Greco has been remembered for her humility, generosity, and the joy she brought to her teammates. Paige passed away in her Adelaide home after experiencing a sudden medical episode, according to South Australian authorities, and her family has asked for privacy. Paige’s mother Natalie Greco said her daughter “meant everything” to her family. Related: Golden start for Australia’s Paralympians as track cycling world records tumble “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. Paige cherished the connections she made through her sport, and we take comfort in knowing how widely she was loved. “We are grieving deeply and ask for privacy, time and space to navigate this overwhelming loss.” The cyclist was born with cerebral palsy and initially focused her athletic career on running, before finding success on the bike. Greco won Australia’s first gold in Tokyo in the women’s C1–3 3,000m individual pursuit, and has been a consistent podium finisher at international level. She faced health challenges in the lead-up to Paris 2024 and missed selection, but returned to elite competition for Australia this year and was in Brazil at the Para Track World Championships only last month. Marne Fechner, chief executive officer of AusCycling, said the sport was “heartbroken” by the news. “Paige was an extraordinary athlete who achieved outstanding accomplishments at the highest levels of our sport,” Fechner said. “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 Greco was one of the brightest young stars of the Australian Paralympic movement. “The sadness being felt across Paralympics Australia today is a reflection of the enormous regard in which she was held,” Murray said. “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.”