British middle-distance runner Robbie Fitzgibbon has passed away at the age of 28, his athletics club Brighton Phoenix has announced.
Fitzgibbon, who represented Great Britain at the European Championships, was remembered by his club as the “epitome of a runner’s runner.”
In a statement released on Friday, the club expressed their sorrow, saying: “We are deeply saddened to announce the loss of one of our most treasured athletes, Robbie Fitzgibbon. He was a friend to many and an inspiration to all who knew him. Robbie embodied everything we value at Phoenix, and his impact on our community will endure through the countless memories we shared.”
Fitzgibbon began competing for Brighton Phoenix at the age of 12 and went on to represent Great Britain, reaching the final at the European Championships and participating in several Diamond League events.
Before his death, Fitzgibbon had been training for next year’s Brighton Marathon to raise funds for the mental health charity Mind. On his fundraising page, he shared that he had been diagnosed with psychosis in 2022 and described his recovery as a “really difficult challenge.” He hoped to raise awareness and support others facing similar struggles.
In his place, his father Robin will now run the marathon, according to Brighton Phoenix.
Paying tribute, Fitzgibbon’s coach Jon Bigg wrote: “Robbie, I hope you’ve found peace and that the runs are endless wherever you are. You were an exceptional athlete, far greater than you ever realized.”
His training partner, Charlie Grice, added: “You were a true fighter, always giving your all. Making it to a European final is proof of that. Rest easy, mate. You’ll never be forgotten.”
Sussex Athletics and Brighton & Hove Athletic Club also expressed their sadness, with both describing Fitzgibbon as a “great athlete and a lovely man.”