Tributes follow sudden death of 28-year-old Paralympic gold medallist

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Paralympics Australia and AusCycling have paid tribute to gold medallist Paige Greco, who died suddenly after a medical episode in her home in Adelaide on Sunday. She was 28.

Paralympics Australia on Monday issued a statement from her mother, Natalie, on behalf of the family.

Paige Greco after winning gold at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games.

“Paige meant everything to us,” the statement 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 … We are grieving deeply and ask for privacy, time, and space to navigate this overwhelming loss.”

Greco was born with right hemiplegic cerebral palsy and had competed in para-athletics before changing to cycling in 2018.

She won Australia’s first gold medal of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games in the Women’s C1-3 3000m Individual Pursuit, winning by more than four seconds and breaking the world record she had set at the 2019 world championships.

Paige Greco at the 2020 Paralympic Games.

She then earned two more medals at the games, bronze in both the C1-3 Road Race and Time Trial. This year, she competed at the Para Track World Championships in Brazil.

AusCycling chief executive Marne Fechner said the cycling community had been left heartbroken by the news of Greco’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.”

Paralympics Australia chief executive Cameron Murray said: “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.

“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.”