Former Great Britain athlete dies aged 28on October 12, 2024 at 9:51 am

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

The athlete’s father Robin will run in his place in the Brighton Marathon raising funds for Mind.

Matt Lewis/British Athletics Robbie Fitzgibbon is running in a red, white and blue Great Britain vest with his name on the front, in front of a full crowd at an athletics stadium. He is in front over two other runners in blue vestsMatt Lewis/British Athletics

A former Great Britain athlete has died at the age of 28, his running club has said.

Robbie Fitzgibbon, a middle distance runner, represented his country at several international events.

His club, Brighton Phoenix, described him as “one of our most cherished athletes”.

A statement said he was “a friend to many, and a source of motivation for all who had the privilege of knowing him”.

It added: “Robbie was the epitome of a runner’s runner, embodying everything we value at Phoenix.”

Robbie Fitzgibbon joined Brighton Phoenix as a junior, and through “dedication, relentless hard work, and determination”, he became a GB senior international-level athlete, the club said.

In 2019 he competed in the senior indoor European Championships, reaching the final, and went on to compete in several Diamond League races.

His coach and mentor, Joel Kidger, said: “Robbie was talented but, even more so, a hard worker.

“He was gritty, determined, and usually got to where he wanted.”

Richard Heathcote/Getty Robbie Fitzgibbon is running in a red, white and blue Great Britain vest, surrounded by other athletesRichard Heathcote/Getty

Charlie Grice, his training partner, paid tribute, saying: “You were a true fighter who always gave your best.”

In recent years, Fitzgibbon took a step back from track running, moving from middle-distance to long distance races.

He had been preparing to run the 2025 Brighton Marathon in aid of the charity Mind.

His father Robin will now run in his place, the club has announced.

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.

Related internet links
- Advertisement -

Discover

Sponsor

Latest

Rwanda plan is brutal, says ex-Tory home secretaryon October 27, 2022 at 4:24 pm

Amber Rudd says a scheme to send asylum seekers to Rwanda is also "impractical" and will not happen.Image source, Getty ImagesPlans to send some...

Kim Jong Un: Is North Korea’s leader actually considering war?on January 23, 2024 at 12:23 am

Kim Jong Un's recent military actions and a significant departure in ideology has worried watchers.Kim Jong Un's recent military actions and a significant departure...

Covid: Military in hospitals and pupils refusing to wear maskson January 7, 2022 at 7:38 am

Five things you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic this Friday morning.Five things you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic this Friday...

Body found in search for missing wife of rugby staron September 7, 2024 at 5:55 pm

Jenny Hastings, wife of ex-Scotland international Scott Hastings, disappeared at a wild swimming spot near Edinburgh on Tuesday.SNSA body has been found in the...

Marc Cucurella: Chelsea sign full-back from Brighton for £50mon August 3, 2022 at 6:42 pm

Chelsea sign Spain international full-back Marc Cucurella from Brighton for about £50m.Chelsea sign Spain international full-back Marc Cucurella from Brighton for about £50m.