Matt Lewis/British AthleticsA former Nice Britain athlete has died on the age of 28, his operating membership has stated.
Robbie Fitzgibbon, a center distance runner, represented his nation at a number of worldwide occasions.
His membership, Brighton Phoenix, described him as “one in every of our most cherished athletes”.
A press release stated he was “a pal to many, and a supply of motivation for all who had the privilege of realizing him”.
It added: “Robbie was the epitome of a runner’s runner, embodying every thing we worth at Phoenix.”
Robbie Fitzgibbon joined Brighton Phoenix as a junior, and thru “dedication, relentless exhausting work, and dedication”, he turned a GB senior international-level athlete, the membership stated.
In 2019 he competed within the senior indoor European Championships, reaching the ultimate, and went on to compete in a number of Diamond League races.
His coach and mentor Joel Kidger stated: “Robbie was gifted however, much more so, a tough employee.
“He was gritty, decided, and often received to the place he needed.”
Richard Heathcote/GettyCharlie Grice, his coaching companion, paid tribute saying: “You had been a real fighter who at all times gave your finest.”
Lately, Fitzgibbon took a step again from monitor operating, shifting from middle-distance to lengthy distance races.
He had been making ready to run the 2025 Brighton Marathon in support of the charity Thoughts.
His father Robin will now run in his place, the membership has introduced.
Josh Guilmant, vice chairman of Brighton Phoenix operating membership, stated: “That could be a very nice transfer.
“We predict a few of his former crew mates will wish to run with Robin – a few of them have already stated they do.”
He added that he shall be seeking to communicate to the organisers of the marathon “to see what we are able to do”.
A GoFundMe that Robbie had set as much as elevate cash for the charity Thoughts has now surpassed £10,000 in donations.
There was a major variety of new donations because the membership introduced Robbie’s passing on Friday night time.
