Robbie Fitzgibbon, a talented British middle-distance runner and beloved member of the Brighton Phoenix athletics club, passed away on October 7, 2024, at the age of 28. The news has sent shockwaves through the UK athletics community, leaving friends, teammates, and coaches mourning the loss of a dedicated athlete and cherished friend.
Born on March 23, 1996, Fitzgibbon joined Brighton Phoenix as a junior athlete and quickly rose through the ranks. His running career began at the tender age of 12, with his first recorded race for the club at the Goodwood Cross Country in October 2008.
Fitzgibbon’s relentless dedication and hard work propelled him to impressive heights in the sport. He achieved a personal best of 3:36 in the 1500m at an international meet in the Netherlands in 2017. That same year, he represented Great Britain at the senior level in the European Championships, reaching the final. His talents also earned him spots in several prestigious Diamond League races.
In recent years, Fitzgibbon had transitioned from middle-distance track events to cross-country and road racing, becoming an integral part of Brighton Phoenix’s distance group. He remained a committed and enthusiastic team member, always ready to participate in races and support his clubmates.
Tributes have poured in from those who knew Fitzgibbon best. His coach and mentor, Joel Kidger, remembered him as “talented but, even more so, a hard worker. He was gritty, determined, and usually got to where he wanted!” Training partner Charlie Grice spoke of their shared experiences, saying, “We lived and trained together for years, sharing countless miles around the world from sunny Kenya track sessions to wet and windy runs on the downs.”
Brighton Phoenix chair Mike Townley and vice-chair Josh Guilmant released a statement on behalf of the club, saying, “Robbie was not just an athlete to us; he was a friend, a teammate, and an irreplaceable part of our Phoenix family.”
At the time of his passing, Fitzgibbon had been preparing to run the 2025 Brighton Marathon in aid of the mental health charity Mind. His father, Robin, will now run in his place to honour his son’s wishes.
