Aussie cycling champion Paige Greco has passed away aged 28.
AusCycling and Paralympics Australia confirmed in a joint statement on Monday that the Paralympic gold medallist, who competed on the world stage last month, died in her Adelaide home after a sudden medical episode.
“Paige meant everything to us,” her mother, Natalie Greco, said.
“Her kindness, her determination 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 will carry forever.
“While we are devastated by her loss, we are incredibly proud of the person she was and the way 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.
“We are grieving deeply and ask for privacy, time and space to navigate this overwhelming loss.”
Paige Greco won Australia’s first gold medal at the Tokyo 2021 Paralympics, taking the C1-3 3000m individual pursuit and broke her own world record in the process.
She also won the bronze in Tokyo for both the road race and time trial.
Last month, she competed in at the para-cycling track world championships in Rio de Janeiro, and in August she took home the bronze medal in the road race at he para-cycling road world championships in Belgium.
Tributes have poured in for the young cyclist with AusCycling chief executive Marne Fechner saying: “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.”
Paralympics Australia chief executive Cameron Murray also shared a heartfelt message to her family, writing: “We extend our deepest condolences to Paige’s loved ones and to those who were closest to her.”
“The sadness being felt across Paralympics Australia today is a reflection of the enormous regard in which she was held.
“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. She had a rare ability to make people feel included and supported, and her influence will no doubt leave a lasting impression on so many.”
Images: Instagram
