Trendpills
The Australian sporting community is in mourning following the sudden death of Paralympic cycling champion Paige Greco at the age of 28. Her family announced her passing on Monday, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across the world of sport.
Greco became an international star at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, where she captured the very first gold medal of the event. She achieved this victory in the women's 3,000m individual pursuit C1-3, setting a new world record in the process. Her success in Tokyo did not end there; she also secured two bronze medals in the time trial and the road race, cementing her status as one of Australia's top para-athletes.
Born in Melbourne with cerebral palsy affecting the right side of her body, Greco was a talented athlete from a young age. She initially competed in para-athletics but switched to cycling in 2017. The transition proved highly successful, as she won two world titles at the 2019 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships, signaling her arrival as a formidable force on the international stage.
Paralympics Australia CEO Catherine Clark paid tribute to Greco, calling her a "cherished member of the Australian Paralympic family." In a statement, Clark highlighted her "infectious smile, warm nature, and her incredible achievements on the bike." Similarly, AusCycling remembered her as a "fierce competitor on the track and a beloved teammate off it." Colleagues and fans have shared memories of her determination and positive spirit.
The cause of Greco's death has not been publicly disclosed. Her family has requested privacy as they navigate this difficult time. She leaves behind a remarkable legacy of resilience, inspiration, and sporting excellence that touched many within the Paralympic movement and beyond.
