Australian Paralympic gold medallist Paige Greco has tragically died at the age of 28 following a sudden medical episode at her home in Adelaide on Sunday. Her family has expressed profound devastation at the loss of the extraordinary athlete.
Greco, who lived with right hemiplegic cerebral palsy and competed in the C-3 category, made history at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. She secured Australia’s first gold medal of the Games in the women’s C1-C3 3000m individual pursuit, setting a new world record. She also earned two bronze medals in Tokyo, in the women’s C1-C3 road race and time trial.
Throughout her career, Greco accumulated multiple World Championship titles and World Cup medals, demonstrating remarkable determination despite the challenges of her condition. Doctors had initially told her parents she might struggle with physical activity, but Greco defied expectations, driven by a deep love for competition and a desire to reach the highest levels of her sport, including aspiring to compete in the Paris Paralympics.
Her career was also marked by resilience, notably recovering from a severe crash at the 2023 Para-cycling World Cup where she sustained significant injuries, including a broken nose and concussion after hitting a wall at 45km/h. This incident tested her both mentally and physically, highlighting her courageous spirit.
AusCycling Chief Executive Officer Marne Fechner described Greco as an extraordinary athlete who touched lives with her positive spirit. Paralympics Australia CEO Cameron Murray reflected on the immense regard in which Greco was held, noting her commitment, composure, kindness, and quiet determination.
Read more at the Official Paralympics Australia Website
Both AusCycling and Paralympics Australia have committed to supporting the Greco family and honouring her legacy.
