- Former British middle-distance runner Robbie Fitzgibbon dies aged 28
- Fitzgibbon represented Great Britain at several international events throughout his career.
- Brighton Phoenix described Fitzgibbon as “one of our most loved athletes”
Tributes have been paid to former British middle distance runner Robbie Fitzgibbon, who died aged 28.
Fitzgibbon’s death was announced by his club Brighton Phoenix on Friday night.
The club confirmed Fitzgibbon’s death on October 7 while paying tribute to the “irreplaceable” runner.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of one of our most beloved athletes, Robbie Fitzgibbon,” reads a statement from the Brighton Phoenix board of directors written by club president Mike Townley and vice president Josh Guilmant.
‘A friend to many and a source of motivation to all who had the privilege of knowing him, Robbie was the epitome of a runner’s runner, embodying everything we value at Phoenix.
Former British middle-distance runner Robbie Fitzgibbon has died aged 28.
His club Brighton Phoenix paid tribute to the ‘irreplaceable’ runner in an emotional tribute
“While Robbie will no longer run alongside us, share his stories or lift our spirits with his humor and kindness, his presence will continue to be felt in everything we do as a club. His contribution to Phoenix is lasting and lives on through countless memories that we have shared.
“In recent years, Robbie took a step back from the intense nature of track racing, moving from middle distance to becoming a key member of our distance group, and returned to enjoying not only cross country racing. and road, but also to be part of the broader Phoenix team and community I would always be the first to put my hand up for another race.
‘This summer he was part of the South Downs Way relay team, setting a record along the way, medaling at the county cross country championships in Goodwood, where he began his club running career, and running in the parkrun at Christmas Day in Preston Park on a monumental track. hangover.
“Robbie gave a lot to the club and we know the club meant a lot to him. It’s hard to find the right words in times like these. Robbie wasn’t just an athlete to us; he was a friend, a teammate and an irreplaceable part of our team.” Phoenix family.”
Fitzgibbon joined Brighton Phoenix at the age of 12 and demonstrated his talent by winning the English Schools 1,500m title as an 18-year-old in 2015.
He finished fifth in the following year’s European Under-20 Athletics Championships event.
Fitzgibbon continued to represent Great Britain internationally, competing in several Diamond League events.
Fitzgibbon last represented Great Britain at the 2019 European Indoor Championships.
His last international appearance came at the European Indoor Championships in Glasgow in 2019.
Fitzgibbon had suffered an ankle injury after the event which prevented him from returning to the same level.
He had been training to compete in next year’s Brighton Marathon to raise funds for the charity Mind, as he was diagnosed with psychosis in 2022.
Brighton Phoenix confirmed that Fitzgibbon’s father Robin will run in his place next year, with the club inviting people to donate to their chosen cause.
Donations can be made here
