Champion Australian cyclist Paige Greco, a Paralympic gold medallist on the velodrome who competed on the world stage as recently as last month, has died. She was 28.
AusCycling and Paralympics Australia said in a joint statement on Monday that Greco had died in her Adelaide home after a sudden medical episode.
Greco won Australia’s first gold medal of the Tokyo 2021 Paralympics, triumphing in the C1-3 3000m individual pursuit and breaking her own world record in the process.
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Australia’s Paige Greco celebrates winning gold at the Tokyo 2021 Paralympics. Getty
She also won bronze in Tokyo in both the road race and time trial.
Greco competed at the para-cycling track world championships in Rio de Janeiro last month.
In August, she claimed bronze in the road race at the para-cycling road world championships in Belgium.
“Paige meant everything to us,” her mother, Natalie Greco, said.
“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 in Tokyo. Getty
AusCycling chief executive Marne Fechner paid tribute to Greco.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic news of Paige’s death,” Fechner said.
“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.”
Paralympics Australia chief executive Cameron Murray also shared some heartfelt words.
“We extend our deepest condolences to Paige’s loved ones and to those who were closest to her,” Murray said.
Emily Petricola (left) and Paige Greco — two of Australia’s gold medallists at the Tokyo Paralympics. Getty
“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.”