He was due to run next year’s Brighton Marathon
A former British international middle distance runner has died age 28.
Robbie Fitzgibbon died on October 7, his club, Brighton Phoenix announced on Friday night.
Fitzgibbon had been a standout athlete at junior level and finished 13th in the 1500m at the London Anniversary Games in 2017 and ran a personal best time of 3:36:97 that summer in Nijmegen.
He appeared at the European Indoor Championships in Glasgow in 2019 before suffering a serious injury.
The statement issued by Brighton Phoenix, written by club chair Mike Townley and vice chair Josh Guilmant read: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of one of our most cherished athletes, Robbie Fitzgibbon.
“A friend to many, and a source of motivation for all who had the privilege of knowing him, Robbie was the epitome of a runner’s runner, embodying everything we value at Phoenix.
“Though Robbie will no longer run alongside us, share his stories or lift our spirits with his humour and kindness, his presence will continue to be felt in everything we do as a club. His contribution to Brighton Phoenix is enduring, living on through the countless memories we have shared.”
The club went on to share more of Fitzgibbon’s running journey after he stepped back from the track.
“In recent years, Robbie took a step back from the intense nature of track running, moving from middle-distance to becoming a key member of our distance group, finding enjoyment again not just in racing cross country and road but being part of the team and wider Phoenix community.
“He would always be the first to put his hand up for another race. This summer, he was part of the South Downs Way Relay team, setting a leg record along the way, medalling in the County Cross Country Champs at Goodwood where he started his club running career and running Christmas day parkrun at Preston Park on a monumental hangover.
“Robbie gave so much to the club and we know the club meant just as much to him. It is difficult to find the right words in moments like these. Robbie was not just an athlete to us; he was a friend, a team-mate, and an irreplaceable part of our Phoenix family.”
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Earlier this year, Fitzgibbon announced that he had been diagnosed with psychosis, a serious mental illness in 2022 but had started training for next year’s Brighton Marathon raising money for the charity Mind.
On a Just Giving page he wrote: “I’m raising money for Mind because in 2022 I was diagnosed with a mental illness called Psychosis and recovering from this has been a really difficult challenge so i’m wanting to give back to Mind charity & help raise awareness and also raise some money to help support people who are in the same position I was in.”
His father Robin will now run in his place.
Several stars of Team GB who knew Fitzgibbon paid tribute to the 28-year-old.
Two-time British Champion and Olympian, Jake Wightman said: “Will always remember him as the young lad I met back in Kenya 2015, who always had a smile on his face. So so sad. RIP Gibbo.”
While Ellie Baker added: “A real star. Thanks for the laughs and the memories Robbie. You will be missed by so many. Rest in peace my friend.”
