Australian Paralympic cyclist Paige Greco has died at age 28 following a sudden medical episode at her home in Adelaide, Australia. The gold medalist, who became one of the country’s most celebrated para-sport athletes, passed away on Sunday, November 16, 2025, according to a joint statement from the Australian Paralympic Committee and AusCycling.
Greco, who was born with cerebral palsy, achieved national prominence when she won Australia’s first gold medal at the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics. She broke her own world record in the women’s C1-3 3,000-meter individual pursuit, a track event where cyclists race head-to-head on opposite sides of the track. The achievement marked a significant milestone for the Australian Paralympic team and established Greco as a dominant force in para-cycling.
Her success at the Tokyo Paralympics extended beyond the gold medal performance. Greco also secured bronze medals in both the road race and time trial events, demonstrating her versatility across different cycling disciplines.
In a statement released through the sporting organizations, Greco’s mother Natalie expressed the family’s profound loss. “Paige meant everything to us. Her kindness, her determination and her warmth touched our family every single day,” she said. The family emphasized their pride in how Paige represented Australia while requesting privacy during this difficult time.
Greco’s journey to Paralympic glory began with a significant career transition in 2018, when she switched from para-athletics to cycling. The decision proved transformative, as she quickly established herself as an elite competitor. Just one year after making the switch, she competed at the 2019 track world championship, where she set three world records and won two gold medals, along with a silver medal. This breakthrough performance signaled the arrival of a formidable new talent in the para-cycling world.
Throughout her career, Greco accumulated an impressive collection of honors, including multiple World Championship titles and World Cup medals. Her competitive drive remained evident in 2025, when she won a bronze medal at the para-cycling World Championships in Belgium in August. The C3 road race bronze demonstrated that she continued to compete at an elite level, maintaining the standard of excellence that had defined her career since transitioning to cycling.
Cerebral palsy, the condition Greco was born with, affects movement and posture due to damage to the developing brain. Despite the challenges associated with the condition, she became an inspiration to athletes with disabilities around the world. Her accomplishments demonstrated what could be achieved through determination and dedication, regardless of physical limitations.
Cameron Murray, chief executive officer of Paralympics Australia, described the loss as devastating for the entire Paralympic community. “Paige was an extraordinary athlete, but more importantly, a remarkable person,” Murray stated. He highlighted her kindness, quiet determination, and rare ability to make people feel included and supported, qualities that extended beyond her athletic achievements and left a lasting impression on those who knew her.
Marne Fechner, chief executive officer of AusCycling, echoed these sentiments, calling Greco an extraordinary athlete who achieved outstanding accomplishments at the highest levels of the sport. Fechner emphasized that Greco’s impact extended beyond her athletic prowess, noting how she touched the lives of everyone around her with her positive spirit and courageous outlook.
The news of Greco’s death has resonated throughout Australian sporting circles, with tributes pouring in from various organizations and fellow athletes. The Australian Paralympic Committee and AusCycling said they would continue working with the Greco family and others affected by her death to provide support and honor her legacy.
Greco’s mother emphasized the comfort the family takes in knowing how widely Paige was loved. She expressed gratitude for the support shown by people connected to Paige, including teammates and friends. The family noted that Paige cherished the connections she made through her sport, a testament to the community and relationships she built throughout her cycling career.
The sudden nature of Greco’s death has left the Australian Paralympic and cycling communities grappling with the loss of one of their brightest young stars. Murray noted that the sadness being felt across Paralympics Australia reflects the enormous regard in which she was held by peers, coaches, and officials throughout the organization.
As the Paralympic movement continues to grow globally, athletes like Greco serve as ambassadors for their sports and role models for aspiring competitors. Her achievements over a relatively short career span, from her switch to cycling in 2018 to her most recent world championship medal in August 2025, demonstrated consistent excellence and competitive spirit that defined her as both an athlete and an individual.