Australian Paralympic cycling champion Paige Greco has died at age 28 following a sudden medical episode at her home in Adelaide, Australia. The gold medalist, who won her country’s first gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, passed away on Sunday, November 16, 2025, according to AusCycling, the sport’s national governing body.
Greco, who was born with cerebral palsy, achieved remarkable success after switching to competitive cycling in 2017 from para-athletics. Her breakthrough came at the Tokyo Paralympics, where she broke the world record in the women’s C1-3 3000m individual pursuit to claim Australia’s first gold medal of those Games. She also earned bronze medals in both the C1-3 road race and time trial events at Tokyo, establishing herself as one of the sport’s most accomplished athletes.
Cerebral palsy is part of a group of neurological conditions that affect movement and muscle coordination, caused by damage to the developing brain. The condition varies widely in severity, but athletes like Greco demonstrate that it need not prevent achievement at the highest levels of competitive sport. The Paralympics feature classification systems that ensure fair competition among athletes with different types and degrees of physical impairment.
Her mother, Natalie Greco, expressed the family’s profound grief in a statement released through AusCycling and Paralympics Australia. “Paige meant everything to us,” she said. “Her kindness, her determination and her warmth touched our family every single day.”
The family expressed gratitude for the support from Paige’s teammates and friends, noting that she cherished the connections made through her sport. They take comfort in knowing how widely she was loved throughout the athletic community.
Greco’s athletic career continued to flourish beyond Tokyo. She accumulated multiple world championship titles and World Cup medals throughout her time in competitive cycling. Most recently, in August 2025, she won bronze in the C3 road race at the UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships in Ronse, Belgium, demonstrating her continued presence at elite competition levels.
According to sources, Greco did not compete at the Paris 2024 Paralympics due to health issues. However, she returned to elite competition in 2025, showing determination to continue representing Australia at the international level. Her return and subsequent medal at the world championships underscored her resilience and commitment to the sport.
The Paralympic movement provides opportunities for athletes with physical disabilities to compete at the highest levels of sport. Para-cycling includes various classification categories based on the type and extent of impairment, ensuring athletes compete against others with similar functional abilities. The C1-3 classifications include cyclists with conditions affecting coordination, such as cerebral palsy, who compete on standard bicycles rather than specialized equipment.
Marne Fechner, chief executive officer of AusCycling, praised Greco as an extraordinary athlete who achieved outstanding accomplishments at the highest levels of the sport. Fechner emphasized that beyond her athletic achievements, Greco touched the lives of everyone around her with her positive spirit and courageous outlook. The organization expressed heartbreak over the loss and extended condolences to her family, friends, teammates, coaches and support staff.
Cameron Murray, chief executive officer of Paralympics Australia, described the loss as devastating for the entire Paralympic community. He noted that the sadness being felt across Paralympics Australia reflects the enormous regard in which Greco was held. Murray emphasized that while her achievements on the international stage were exceptional, it was her kindness, quiet determination and the way she uplifted people around her that will stay with everyone who knew her.
Officials highlighted Greco’s rare ability to make people feel included and supported, stating that her influence will leave a lasting impression on many within the sporting community. Her legacy extends beyond medals and records to the personal connections she forged and the inspiration she provided to fellow athletes and supporters.
The Australian Paralympic and cycling communities continue to mourn the loss of one of their brightest young stars. Greco’s journey from para-athletics to becoming a world-record-holding Paralympic champion exemplified dedication and adaptability. Her success in such a short time after switching sports in 2018 demonstrated exceptional athletic talent and commitment to excellence.
The family has requested privacy, time and space to navigate what they describe as an overwhelming loss. They acknowledge being devastated while remaining incredibly proud of the person Paige was and the way she represented Australia throughout her career. Greco’s contributions to Australian sport and her positive impact on those around her ensure her memory will endure within the Paralympic movement and beyond.