Paralympic gold medallist Paige Greco has died aged 28 after a ‘sudden medical episode.’
The Australian para-cyclist won gold at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo in the women’s C1–3 3,000m individual pursuit.
She also won two bronze medals in Tokyo in two time trial events, while winning golds at World Championships and World Cups.
The Melbourne-born athlete, who had cerebral palsy, won a bronze at the Para-Cycling Road World Championship in Belgium as recently as August this year.
AusCycling reported her tragic death on Monday and published a statement from her mother, Natalie.
‘Paige meant everything to us,’ she wrote. ‘Her kindness, her dedication 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’ll carry forever.
‘While we are devastated by her loss, we are incredibly proud of the person she was and how 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.’
Cameron Murray, Paralympics Australia chief executive, said of Greco: ‘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.’
Marne Fechner, CEO of AusCycling, added: ‘We are heartbroken by the tragic news of Paige’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.’
Greco explained her remarkable progression in para-cycling after winning gold in Tokyo, saying: ‘I’m fairly new to it. 2019 was my first international competitions, so it’s been a pretty awesome few years. I’m loving every bit of it.
‘I’ve been working really hard. Before cycling I did athletics and that built a really good foundation of strength and my ability of how to race and how to pace myself on race day.’