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Paralympic athletes are mourning the loss of one of their own. Paige Greco, a gold medalist in Paralympic cycling, died on November 16 at her home in Adelaide, Australia, due to a medical incident, according to South Australian authorities. She was 28.
"Paige meant everything to us," Paige's mother, Natalie Greco, told AusCycling. "Her generosity, determination, and warmth touched our family on a daily basis. She brought so much joy and pride into our lives, and the grief of her death will be with us forever."
Natalie stressed the importance of her daughter's accomplishments in her brief life.
"While we are devastated by her loss, we are incredibly proud of the person she was and the way she represented Australia," the woman said. "As a family, we are incredibly appreciative for the outpouring of support from so many individuals who know Paige, including teammates and friends. Paige valued the connections she formed via her sport, and we take solace in knowing how much she was loved."
Paige won Australia's first Paralympic gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games, breaking the record in the Women's C1-3 3000m Individual. The athlete also won bronze medals in the Women's C1-3 Road Race and Time Trial event, as well as multiple World Championship titles.
AusCycling CEO Marne Fechner described the para-cyclist as an "extraordinary athlete," stating that Paige 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," says Marne. "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."
Similarly, Cameron Murray, CEO of Paralympics Australia, described Paige's loss as "devastating."
"Paige was an extraordinary athlete, but more importantly, a remarkable person," he told me. "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."
