Former British worldwide center distance expertise passes away on the age of simply 28
Robbie Fitzgibbon, the previous British worldwide center distance runner and outstanding member of the Brighton Phoenix membership, handed away on October 7 on the age of simply 28.
The information was introduced by his membership on Friday night (October 11).
“It’s with profound disappointment that we announce the passing of certainly one of our most cherished athletes, Robbie Fitzgibbon,” learn a press release from the Brighton Phoenix board written by membership chair Mike Townley and vice chair Josh Guilmant.
“A buddy to many, and a supply of motivation for all who had the privilege of understanding him, Robbie was the epitome of a runner’s runner, embodying all the pieces we worth at Phoenix.
“Although Robbie will now not run alongside us, share his tales or elevate our spirits along with his humour and kindness, his presence will proceed to be felt in all the pieces we do as a membership. His contribution to Brighton Phoenix is enduring, dwelling on by the numerous recollections we now have shared.”
Fitzgibbon joined the membership as a junior, his first recorded race coming in 2008 on the age of 12, and went on to win the English Colleges 1500m title in 2014. A 12 months later, he positioned fifth within the 1500m ultimate on the European Athletics U20 Championships.
His PB for the metric mile of three:36.97 arrived in 2017 on the Nijmegen World Athletics assembly within the Netherlands, whereas he additionally competed in a number of Diamond League races and his final worldwide look got here through the heats of the 2019 European Indoor Championships in Glasgow.
“Lately, Robbie took a step again from the extraordinary nature of observe operating, transferring from middle-distance to turning into a key member of our distance group, discovering enjoyment once more not simply in racing cross nation and street however being a part of the crew and wider Phoenix neighborhood,” continued the Brighton Phoenix assertion about an athlete who, as lately as June, gained the Bexhill 5km in 15:13. “He would all the time be the primary to place his hand up for an additional race.
“This summer season, he was a part of the South Downs Approach Relay crew, setting a leg file alongside the way in which, medalling within the County Cross Nation Champs at Goodwood the place he began his membership operating profession and operating Christmas day parkrun at Preston Park on a monumental hangover.
“Robbie gave a lot to the membership and we all know the membership meant simply as a lot to him. It’s troublesome to seek out the appropriate phrases in moments like these. Robbie was not simply an athlete to us; he was a buddy, a team-mate, and an irreplaceable a part of our Phoenix household.
“Robbie had been making ready to run the 2025 Brighton Marathon in assist of the charity Thoughts. His dad Robin will now run in his place and, to honour his needs, we invite those that are in a position to take into account donating to his chosen trigger in his reminiscence.”
Donations will be made right here
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