Australian Paralympic champion Paige Greco dies at age 28

Australian para-cyclist Paige Greco, a gold medalist from the Tokyo Paralympics, has died following what officials described as a sudden medical episode at her home in Adelaide on Sunday. She was 28.

Greco, who lived with cerebral palsy, captured international attention in 2021 when she won the first gold medal awarded at the Tokyo Paralympic Games, breaking her own world record on the track. She went on to earn two bronze medals in the road race and individual time trial.

Paralympics Australia and the national cycling federation said her family is grieving the unexpected loss, remembering her as an athlete whose determination and generosity resonated with teammates and supporters across the para-sport community.

Her achievements contributed to growing recognition of para-athletes globally, including in Canada, where Paralympic programs have expanded in recent years as part of broader efforts to support inclusive sport. Greco’s career is being noted internationally as an example of the impact elite para-sport can have on young athletes and emerging development programs.