Quick Read
- Paige Greco, Australian Paralympic gold medalist, died suddenly at age 28 in Adelaide.
- She won gold at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, breaking her own world record in cycling.
- Greco also earned multiple bronze medals and world titles throughout her career.
- She was born with cerebral palsy and switched from para-athletics to cycling in 2018.
- Her death has left a significant impact on the para-sport and cycling communities.
Paige Greco’s Legacy: Triumph and Tragedy in Australian Para-sport
On November 17, 2025, the Australian sports community was shaken by the sudden death of Paige Greco, a Paralympic gold medalist and one of the country’s brightest para-athletes. Greco, aged 28, passed away at her home in Adelaide after what officials described as a “sudden medical episode.” The news, confirmed by the Australian Paralympic Committee and Cycling Australia, was met with an outpouring of grief and remembrance for an athlete whose journey inspired countless people both on and off the track.
From Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis to Paralympic Gold
Born with cerebral palsy, Paige Greco faced adversity from the beginning. Yet, she transformed her challenges into motivation, entering the world of para-sport and rapidly rising through the ranks. Initially competing in para-athletics, Greco switched to para-cycling in 2018—a decision that would define her career. Her discipline and resilience were evident every time she lined up for a race, setting her apart not just as a competitor, but as a symbol of possibility.
Greco’s breakthrough came at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, held in 2021 due to the pandemic. There, she captured Australia’s first gold medal of the Games, winning the women’s C1-3 3,000-meter individual pursuit. Not only did she claim victory, but she shattered her own world record in the process, etching her name into the history books. She went on to secure two bronze medals in the road race and time trial, showcasing her versatility and tenacity. As reported by Reuters, her achievements marked her as one of the sport’s most consistent and successful performers.
Achievements Beyond Tokyo: A Career Marked by Excellence
Greco’s success did not end with the Paralympic Games. She dominated at both the track and road world championships, earning gold medals and further affirming her status as a world-class cyclist. In August 2025, she added another bronze medal to her collection at the UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships in Ronse, Belgium—a testament to her enduring competitiveness and skill. Her career was decorated with multiple world titles and World Cup medals, reflecting years of unwavering dedication.
Her journey from para-athletics to cycling was not just a strategic move; it was a leap of faith that paid off with global recognition and respect. Greco’s impact extended beyond her athletic accomplishments. Her presence uplifted teammates, inspired newcomers to para-sport, and reminded the world of the power of perseverance.
Remembering Paige Greco: Kindness, Courage, and Community
The reactions to Greco’s passing were deeply personal and heartfelt. Her mother, Natalie Greco, expressed the family’s grief and pride: “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.”
Cameron Murray, CEO of Paralympics Australia, echoed these sentiments: “Paige was an extraordinary athlete, but more importantly, a remarkable person. 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.” AusCycling CEO Marne Fechner added, “Much more than that, she touched the lives of everyone around her with her positive spirit and courageous outlook.” As BBC News noted, Greco’s influence went far beyond medals—she fostered inclusion, support, and hope within the community.
Officials and family members have asked for privacy as they grieve, but the legacy Paige Greco leaves behind is undeniable. Her story resonates not only with athletes facing similar challenges but with anyone who understands what it means to overcome obstacles and embrace each moment fully.
The Lasting Impact of a Paralympic Star
Greco’s sudden death comes as a stark reminder of the fragility of life, even for those who seem invincible in their pursuit of greatness. Her influence on Australian para-sport will be felt for years to come—not just in record books, but in the hearts of everyone she inspired. The sadness rippling across the Paralympics and cycling communities speaks volumes about her character and the mark she made.
As the world reflects on Paige Greco’s life, her achievements serve as a beacon for future athletes. Her courage, kindness, and determination remain a template for excellence—not just in sport, but in life. The para-sport movement in Australia, and globally, has lost a remarkable ambassador, but her legacy endures in every young athlete daring to dream.
Paige Greco’s story is a testament to the transformative power of resilience and compassion. Her athletic prowess was matched only by her ability to connect with others, making her loss a profound one for the sports world and beyond. Her journey reminds us that true greatness lies in both achievement and humanity.