Australian Paralympian Paige Greco has died at the age of 28 after a sudden medical episode at her home in Adelaide. Her family confirmed her passing on November 16, expressing their deep sorrow and pride in her accomplishments.

Greco's mother, Natalie, shared her grief, stating, "Paige meant everything to us. 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 family expressed gratitude for the support they have received from friends, teammates, and the broader community. "Paige cherished the connections she made through her sport, and we take comfort in knowing how widely she was loved," Natalie added.

Greco was a celebrated athlete, known for her historic achievements in para-cycling. She won Australia’s first gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, setting a world record in the women’s C1-3 3000m individual pursuit. In addition to her gold medal, she earned bronze medals in the women’s C1-3 road race and time trial events.

Her career also included multiple World Championship titles and medals, with a notable bronze in the Road Race at the 2023 World Championships in Glasgow. That event was marred by a serious crash, which left her with significant injuries, including a broken nose and facial trauma.

David Betts, her coach, recalled the severity of the incident, saying, "Paige was on a stretcher, she had a neck brace on, there was a lot of blood around. Her front tooth was knocked out and there was a lot of facial trauma. It was all quite confronting."

The news of Greco's death has sent shockwaves through the cycling community. Marne Fechner, chief executive of AusCycling, expressed heartbreak over the loss. "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 of Paralympics Australia, emphasized Greco's impact on the sport. "Her death marks the loss of one of the brightest young stars of the Australian Paralympic Movement. Paige was an extraordinary athlete, but more importantly, a remarkable person."

Murray noted that Greco's commitment and composure earned her admiration from all who witnessed her compete. "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."

Greco was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2022 for her contributions to sport and her success as a Paralympic athlete. Her legacy will be remembered not only for her athletic prowess but also for the joy and inspiration she brought to those around her.