The former British middle distance talent has passed away at the age of 28
Robbie Fitzgibbon, former British international middle distance runner and prominent member of the Brighton Phoenix club, passed away on October 7th at the age of just 28.
His club announced the news on Friday night (October 11).
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of one of our best-loved athletes, Robbie Fitzgibbon,” Brighton Phoenix’s board said in a statement written by club chairman Mike Townley and vice-chairman Josh Gilmant.
“A friend to many and a source of motivation to all who had the privilege of knowing him, Rob was the epitome of a runner’s runner, embodying everything we value in Phoenix.
“Although Robbie will no longer be running alongside us, sharing his stories and lifting our spirits with his humor 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 in the countless memories we share.”
Fitzgibbon joined the club as a junior, his first recorded race came in 2008 aged 12, and in 2014 he won the English Schools 1500m title. A year later, he finished fifth in the 1500m final at the European Under-20 Athletics Championships. championships.
His PB of 3:36.97 for the mile came at the 2017 Nijmegen Global Athletics Meeting in the Netherlands, while he also competed in several Diamond League races and his most recent international appearance came in a heat at the 2019 European Indoor Championships in Glasgow.
“In recent years, Robbie has taken a step back from the intense nature of running, moving from middle distance to becoming a key member of our distance group, enjoying not only cross-country and road racing again, but also being part of a team. and the wider Phoenix community,” continued the statement from Brighton Phoenix about an athlete who won the Bexhill 5km in 15:13 back in June. “He’ll 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 record on the way, winning a medal at the Cross Country Champions at Goodwood, where he started his club running career, and the Christmas run at the monumental Preston Park. pendant
“Robbie has given so much to the club and we know the club meant just as much to him. In such moments it is difficult to find the right words. Robbie was not just an athlete for us. he was a friend, a teammate, and an irreplaceable part of our Phoenix family.
“Robbie was going to run the 2025 Brighton Marathon for charity. Mind. Her father, Robin, will now run in her stead and, to honor her wishes, we invite those who might consider donating to a cause of her choice in her memory.”
Donations can be made here
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