Olympic Champion DIES at 28

Hand holding Olympic flag in snowy landscape
OLYMPIC CHAMPION DIES

Paralympic gold medalist Paige Greco’s sudden death at age 28 serves as a heartbreaking reminder of how precious life is, even for the strongest among us who inspire millions through their determination to overcome adversity.

Story Summary

  • Australian Paralympic cycling champion Paige Greco died suddenly at her Adelaide home on November 16, 2025.
  • Born with cerebral palsy, she won gold at the Tokyo Paralympics and broke world records in para-cycling.
  • Greco transitioned from para-athletics to cycling in 2018 and quickly dominated international competition.
  • Her death represents a devastating loss to the Paralympic movement and the Australian sports community.

Champion’s Sudden Passing Shocks Paralympic Community

Paige Greco passed away at her Adelaide home following what officials described as a “sudden medical episode” on Sunday, November 16, 2025. The Australian Paralympic Committee and Australian Cycling Federation issued a joint statement confirming the tragic news.

At just 28 years old, Greco had established herself as one of Australia’s most celebrated Paralympic athletes, making her unexpected death particularly devastating for the sporting community and her family.

Historic Tokyo Paralympics Achievement Defines Legacy

Greco’s crowning achievement came at the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Paralympics in 2021, where she captured the first gold medal of the games. Competing in the women’s C1-3 3,000-meter individual pursuit, she not only won gold but shattered her own world record in the process.

Her Paralympic success continued with bronze medals in both the road race and time trial events, cementing her status as a dominant force in para-cycling despite competing with cerebral palsy.

Remarkable Athletic Journey From Track to Cycling Glory

Greco’s path to Paralympic glory began with a bold transition from para-athletics to cycling in 2018. Within just one year, she burst onto the international para-cycling scene at the 2019 track world championship, where she set three world records while capturing two gold medals and one silver.

Her rapid ascent continued through multiple World Cup victories and world championship titles, demonstrating the extraordinary determination that defined her character both on and off the track.

Personal Qualities Remembered Beyond Athletic Achievements

While Greco’s athletic accomplishments were exceptional, those who knew her emphasized her character above her medals. Her mother Natalie described Paige’s “kindness, determination and warmth” as qualities that touched their family daily.

Cameron Murray, Paralympics Australia’s CEO, highlighted her rare ability to make others feel included and supported, noting that her quiet determination and uplifting spirit left lasting impressions on everyone she encountered throughout her career.