Former British athletics star dies aged 28 as tributes flood in for the ‘irreplaceable’ runner

Tributes have been paid to former British middle distance runner Robbie Fitzgibbon, who has died at the age of of 28.

Fitzgibbon’s death was announced by his club Brighton Phoenix on Friday evening.

The club confirmed Fitzgibbon had died on October 7 as they offered a tribute to the ‘irreplaceable’ runner.

‘It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of one of our most cherished athletes, Robbie Fitzgibbon,’ read a statement from the Brighton Phoenix board written by club chair Mike Townley and vice chair Josh Guilmant.

‘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.

Former British middle distance runner Robbie Fitzgibbon has died at the age of 28

His club Brighton Phoenix paid tribute to the ‘irreplaceable’ runner in a touching tribute

‘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 Phoenix is enduring, living on through the countless memories we have shared.

‘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 teammate, and an irreplaceable part of our Phoenix family.’

Fitzgibbon had joined Brighton Phoenix at the age of 12 and showcased his talent by winning the English Schools 1,500 metres title as an 18-year-old in 2015.

He finished fifth in the event at the European Athletics Under-20 Championships the following year.

Fitzgibbon continued to represent Great Britain had international level, competing at several Diamond League events.

Fitzgibbon represented Britain for the final time at the 2019 European Indoor Championships

His final international appearance came at the European Indoor Championships in Glasgow in 2019. 

Fitzgibbon had suffered an ankle injury after the event which prevented him from returning to the same level.

He had been training to compete in next year’s Brighton Marathon to raise money for the charity Mind, having been diagnosed with Psychosis back in 2022.

Brighton Phoenix confirmed Fitzgibbon’s father Robin will run in his place next year, with the club inviting people to donate to his chosen cause.

Donations can be made here