Adelaide, Australia – In a heartbreaking loss to the global para-sport community, Australian Paralympic gold medallist Paige Greco has passed away at the age of 28 following a sudden medical episode at her home in Adelaide. The news, confirmed by AusCycling on Monday, November 17, 2025, has sent shockwaves through the cycling world, with tributes pouring in from teammates, officials, and fans who remember Greco not just for her extraordinary athletic prowess but for her unwavering kindness and infectious positivity.
Born on February 19, 1997, in Melbourne, Greco was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at a young age, a condition that primarily affected the right side of her body. Undeterred by the challenges it presented, she channeled her determination into athletics, initially finding her footing as a para-athlete in track and field events. Greco’s early career as a runner showcased her resilience; she competed at national levels but narrowly missed selection for the 2016 Rio Paralympics, a setback that only fueled her resolve. In 2018, she pivoted to para-cycling, relocating to Adelaide to train with the South Australian Sports Institute while pursuing a degree in exercise and sport science at the University of South Australia. This transition proved transformative, propelling her into the spotlight as one of Australia’s most decorated para-cyclists.
Greco’s crowning achievement came at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games—delayed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic—where she etched her name into history. Classified as a C3 cyclist, Greco stormed to victory in the women’s C1–3 3,000m individual pursuit, securing Australia’s first gold medal of the Games and shattering her own world record with a blistering time of 3:50.815. The win was a testament to her tactical brilliance and unyielding grit, as she outpaced a field of elite competitors in a head-to-head race on the velodrome. Not content to rest on her laurels, Greco added two bronze medals in Tokyo: one in the women’s C1–3 1,000m time trial and another in the women’s C1–3 road time trial, contributing to Australia’s haul of 36 medals at the Games. Her performances were hailed as a golden start for the Australian Paralympic team, with commentators noting how her composure under pressure inspired her peers.
Beyond Tokyo, Greco’s palmarès read like a blueprint for sustained excellence in para-cycling. She claimed gold medals at the UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships in 2019, earning her the title of Cycling Australia’s Para Female Track Cyclist of the Year that same year. Greco was a four-time world champion overall, with additional golds at World Cups in events like the scratch race and elimination. Her versatility shone on both track and road; she secured four bronze medals at the UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships between 2022 and 2023. As recently as August 2025, at the UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships in Ronse, Belgium, Greco podiumed with a bronze in the women’s C3 road race and placed fifth in the time trial, demonstrating that her competitive fire burned as brightly as ever. Tragically, her career was not without adversity; in 2025, she sustained serious injuries in a crash during a Road World Cup event in Maniago, Italy, yet she rebounded to compete at the world championships just months later.
Greco’s death on Sunday, November 16, 2025, came without warning. AusCycling reported that she experienced a “sudden medical episode” at her Adelaide residence, though no further details on the cause have been disclosed as the family navigates their grief. The announcement, made jointly with Paralympics Australia, prompted an outpouring of sorrow from the sporting world.
In a poignant statement released on behalf of the family, Greco’s mother, Natalie, captured the depth of their loss:
“Paige meant everything to us. Her kindness, her dedication 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’ll carry forever. While we are devastated by her loss, we are incredibly proud of the person she was and how 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.”
Sporting leaders echoed these sentiments with profound admiration. Cameron Murray, chief executive of Paralympics Australia, described Greco as “an extraordinary athlete, but more importantly, a remarkable person.” He added:
“As a Paralympian, Paige represented Australia with a level of commitment and composure that earned the admiration of everyone who had the privilege to watch her compete or to work alongside her. 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.”
Marne Fechner, CEO of AusCycling, expressed the organization’s heartbreak:
“We are heartbroken by the tragic news of Paige’s death. 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. Our thoughts and condolences are with Paige’s family, friends, teammates, coaches and support staff, past and present, during this incredibly sad and difficult time.”
The tributes extended beyond official channels. Fellow Paralympians and cyclists took to social media to share memories, with one teammate posting, “RIP Paige Greco. Thank you for all you stood for, achieved and how you did it while you were here. Your loss is felt hard. You made your impact. Love to your family, friends and those in the cycling, Paracycling, Paralympic and sport communities.” Greco’s humility and generosity were recurring themes; she was often remembered for bringing “genuine joy” to team environments and mentoring younger athletes with her grounded approach. In 2022, she was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for her services to para-cycling, a recognition that underscored her role as an ambassador for the sport.
Greco’s legacy extends far beyond medals and records. As a trailblazer born with a disability, she embodied the Paralympic ethos of overcoming barriers, inspiring countless individuals to pursue their passions despite adversity. Her story—from a Melbourne runner to a world-record-breaking cyclist—highlights the transformative power of sport in building resilience and community. Although she missed selection for the 2024 Paris Paralympics, her recent bronze in Belgium affirmed her enduring talent and spirit. In Adelaide, where she made her home and trained rigorously, local cycling clubs have already begun discussions on memorial initiatives, potentially including scholarships in her name to support emerging para-athletes.
The suddenness of Greco’s passing serves as a stark reminder of life’s fragility, particularly for those in high-stakes sports where physical demands are immense. As the world mourns, Greco’s family, friends, and the broader Australian sports fraternity hold onto the joy she brought. Her mother’s words resonate deeply: the pain is eternal, but so is the pride. Paige Greco didn’t just race bikes; she pedaled hope, determination, and unity into the hearts of all who knew her.
