Robbie Fitzgibbon, a British middle-distance athlete, has passed away at the age of 28, as confirmed by his athletics club.
The runner, who represented Great Britain at the 2017 European Championships, was honored by his club, Brighton Phoenix, as the “quintessential runner’s runner”.
On Friday, the club publicly announced his passing, stating: “It is with immense sorrow that we report the loss of one of our most treasured athletes, Robbie Fitzgibbon.”
“A friend to many and an inspiration to all who had the honor of knowing him, Robbie embodied everything we cherish at Phoenix and was the epitome of a dedicated runner.”
“His legacy within Phoenix endures, living through the countless memories we have created together.”
Fitzgibbon’s initial recorded competition for the club occurred when he was just 12 years old. He later represented his nation at the European Championships, where he reached the finals, in addition to competing in multiple Diamond League events.
Fitzgibbon in action during the 2017 London Anniversary Games. Pic: PA
Prior to his untimely death, he was training for the Brighton Marathon next year, aiming to raise funds for the mental health charity Mind.
On a fundraising platform for the initiative, Fitzgibbon shared that he had been diagnosed with psychosis in 2022, describing his journey to recovery as a “significantly challenging ordeal”.
He expressed his desire to gather funds for Mind to “stimulate awareness and provide support for individuals in similar circumstances to what I experienced”.
Following his passing, his father, Robin, will be running in his honor, according to Brighton Phoenix.
In a heartfelt tribute, Fitzgibbon’s coach, Jon Bigg, commented: “Robbie, may you have found solace and may your runs be boundless wherever you may be. You were truly an extraordinary athlete, greater than you ever realized.”
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Fitzgibbon’s training companion, Charlie Grice, remarked: “You were a genuine fighter who always gave your utmost. How else would you have made it to a European final? Rest easy, mate. You’ll always be remembered.”
Sussex Athletics expressed their “deep sorrow” at Fitzgibbon’s demise, while Brighton and Hove Athletic Club labeled him a “remarkable athlete and a wonderful individual”.
If you are feeling distressed or experiencing suicidal thoughts, you can reach out to Samaritans for assistance at 116 123 or via email at jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the U.S., please contact your local Samaritans branch or dial 1 (800) 273-TALK.
