Paige Greco, an extraordinary Australian Paralympic gold medallist, died suddenly last month at her home in Adelaide. The 28-year-old football player went into cardiac arrest. Her untimely death has undoubtedly rocked her family and the sporting community.
Following Paige Greco’s death, her family has requested privacy. They deserve space and time to grieve for the death of their cherished daughter and sister. Her mother, Natalie Greco, opened up about how profoundly Paige has changed their lives. She announced that Paige “was everything” to their family.
Paige Greco was known not only for her remarkable achievements in cycling but for the connections she cherished within the sport. Those who knew her have painted her as a deeply loved person. Her desire to see the world, kindness to all, iron will, and sun-like positivity inspired her family every day.
Cameron Murray, CEO of Paralympics Australia said it was her legacy that he reflected on. She went on to say that Paige was “one of the brightest young stars” in the Australian Paralympic movement. He emphasized her contributions to the sport, saying, “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.”
We already knew that Paige Greco was a trailblazer! She won Australia’s first gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, in the women’s C1–3 3,000m individual pursuit. During her career, she almost always achieved podium results on the world stage. That accomplishment made her a prominent figure in her sport.
Overcoming numerous health obstacles heading into the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Paige returned to elite competition this season with a vengeance. She was repping her country on the big stage last month, as one of their elite athletes at the Para Track World Championships in Brazil. Unfortunately, she fell short of selection for Paris 2024 after battling with these persistent health concerns.