Robbie Fitzgibbon – the accomplished British athlete – has sadly died at the age of 28.
News of the middle-distance runner’s death was announced by his athletics club, who honored him as the “epitome of a runner’s runner”.
The young athlete has died aged 28. Credit: Richard Heathcote / Getty
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of one of our most cherished athletes, Robbie Fitzgibbon,” a spokesperson from the Brighton Phoenix club said in a statement, per Sky News.
“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.
“His contribution to Phoenix is enduring, living on through the countless memories we have shared.”
The club confirmed that Fitzgibbon passed away on October 7.
Credit: Matt Lewis – British Athletics / Getty
After his first recorded race at the age of 12, Fitzgibbon saw great success in his athletics career, representing Great Britain at the European Championships and becoming a finalist.
He had also competed in a number of Diamond League races.
Fitzgibbon has most recently been preparing to run in next year’s Brighton Marathon.
He had chosen to raise funds for the mental health charity Mind, following his own diagnosis in recent years.
Explaining his reasoning on his Just Giving page, Fitzgibbon wrote: “I’m raising money for Mind because in 2022 I was diagnosed with a mental illness called Psychosis and recovering from this has been a really difficult challenge so i’m wanting to give back to Mind charity & help raise awareness and also raise some money to help support people who are in the same position I was in.”
Fitzgibbon then delved into his passion for running at a young age, before explaining that an ankle injury and subsequent surgery left him unable to reach the same heights.
“I couldn’t get back to the same level of competition and that drove me over the edge mentally which spiralled into psychosis,” he wrote.
He had been open with his followers about his mental health, writing in an Instagram post last year: “As some of you know i’ve been struggling with mental health issues for the past couple of years but have found returning to running to be a great way for me as part of my recovery.”
As of this writing, Fitzgibbon’s Just Giving page has since raised £8,570 for the charity.
It has since been reported that the athlete’s father, Robin, will now be running in the marathon in his place.
View this post on Instagram
Fitzgibbon’s coach Jon Bigg wrote: “Robbie, I hope you have found peace and that the runs are endless wherever you are. You were one hell of an athlete, better than you ever truly knew.”
“You were a true fighter who always gave your best,” Fitzgibbon’s training partner Charlie Grice said. “How else do you make it to a European final? Rest easy, mate. You’ll never be forgotten.”
Our thoughts go out to Fitzgibbon’s family, friends, and supporters at this time.