Australian Paralympic champion Paige Greco has died at age 28 after experiencing a sudden medical episode at her home in Adelaide on Sunday, November 16. The cyclist, who captured Australia’s first gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, passed away unexpectedly, sending shockwaves through the international Paralympic community and the world of adaptive sports.
AusCycling, the nation’s cycling governing body, confirmed the news alongside Paralympics Australia in a joint statement released Monday. The organizations announced that Greco died following a medical emergency at her residence, though specific details about the nature of the episode have not been disclosed.
Greco’s mother, Natalie Greco, shared an emotional tribute through the organizations. “Paige meant everything to us,” she said. “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.”
The grieving mother emphasized the family’s pride in their daughter’s accomplishments and character. While devastated by the loss, Natalie Greco expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from Paige’s teammates, friends and the broader sporting community. She noted that her daughter cherished the connections she made through cycling, and the family takes comfort in knowing how widely she was loved.
Born with cerebral palsy, a group of neurological disorders affecting movement and coordination, Greco initially competed in para-athletics before switching to cycling in 2018. Her transition to the sport proved remarkably successful, as she quickly established herself as one of the world’s elite para-cyclists. Within just months of taking up competitive cycling, she demonstrated exceptional talent and determination that would define her career.
At the Tokyo 2021 Paralympics, Greco made history by winning Australia’s first gold medal of the Games in the Women’s C1-3 3000m individual pursuit. The track cycling event, where competitors race head-to-head on opposite sides of the velodrome, saw Greco not only claim victory but also set a world record in the process. Her performance in the individual pursuit demonstrated both her raw athletic ability and tactical excellence.
The Adelaide athlete’s success at the Tokyo Games extended beyond her gold medal performance. She also captured bronze medals in both the road race and time trial events, showcasing her versatility across different cycling disciplines. These three Paralympic medals represented the pinnacle of her international competitive achievements and established her as one of Australia’s most decorated para-athletes.
Throughout her career, Greco accumulated multiple World Championship titles and World Cup medals, consistently performing at the highest levels of international competition. Most recently, she won a bronze medal at the World Championships in Belgium in August 2025, competing in the C3 road race event. This achievement marked her successful return to elite competition after facing health challenges that had kept her from competing at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
Marne Fechner, Chief Executive Officer of AusCycling, paid tribute to the fallen athlete’s impact both on and off the bike. The cycling official called Greco an extraordinary athlete who achieved outstanding accomplishments at the highest levels of the sport. Fechner emphasized that beyond her athletic achievements, Greco touched the lives of everyone around her with her positive spirit and courageous outlook.
Cameron Murray, Chief Executive Officer of Paralympics Australia, described the sadness felt across the organization as a reflection of the enormous regard in which Greco was held. Murray characterized her as an extraordinary athlete but, more importantly, a remarkable person whose achievements on the international stage were exceptional.
“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,” Murray stated in his tribute. He noted that Greco possessed a rare ability to make people feel included and supported, predicting her influence would leave a lasting impression on many within the Paralympic movement.
The loss of Greco represents a significant blow to Australian Paralympic sport, which has produced numerous world-class adaptive athletes across various disciplines. Para-cycling in particular has been a strength for Australia in recent Paralympic Games, with the nation consistently producing medalists in both track and road events. Athletes with cerebral palsy compete in classified categories based on their functional abilities, ensuring fair competition among participants with varying degrees of physical impairment.
Officials from both AusCycling and Paralympics Australia indicated they would continue working with the Greco family and others affected by the loss to provide support and honor her legacy. The cycling community has rallied around the family during this difficult time, with tributes pouring in from athletes, coaches and officials who worked alongside Greco throughout her career.
The family has requested privacy, time and space to navigate what Natalie Greco described as an overwhelming loss. As they grieve deeply, they have asked the public and media to respect their need for distance during this painful period while they process the sudden death of their beloved daughter and sister.
