Tributes are flowing in around the sporting world after the tragic death of Australian Paralympic champion Paige Greco at age 28. AusCycling and Paralympics Australia announced the devastating news on Monday that Greco died on Sunday after a “sudden medical episode” at her home in Adelaide.
Paige’s mother Natalie said in a statement: “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.
“While we are devastated by her loss, we are incredibly proud of the person she was and the way 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. We are grieving deeply and ask for privacy, time and space to navigate this overwhelming loss.”
Paige Greco won a gold medal and broke the world record at the 2021 Paralympics. (Photo by Kiyoshi Ota/Getty Images)
Greco, who had cerebral palsy, broke the world record in the women’s C1-3 3000m individual pursuit at the 2021 Paralympics in Tokyo. It was Australia’s first gold medal of the Games. She also won bronze medals in the women’s C1-3 road race and time trial.
Paige Greco celebrates after the women’s C1-3 3000m Individual Pursuit final at the Tokyo Paralympics. (Photo by Zhang Cheng/Xinhua via Getty Images)
Australian sport mourns Paige Greco
Marne Fechner, the CEO of AusCycling, said: “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.”
Olympians Alex Porter and Paige Greco at Adelaide Oval in 2021. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images for AOC)
Cameron Murray, CEO of Paralympics Australia, added: “We extend our deepest condolences to Paige’s loved ones and to those who were closest to her. The sadness being felt across Paralympics Australia today is a reflection of the enormous regard in which she was held.
“Paige was an extraordinary athlete, but more importantly, a remarkable person. 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. She had a rare ability to make people feel included and supported, and her influence will no doubt leave a lasting impression on so many.”
Greco also won multiple world championship titles and world cup medals. “Her relentless work ethic and unwavering positivity made her a role model to teammates and emerging athletes throughout Australia,” said Paralympics Australia.