Former Team GB athlete Robbie Fitzgibbon dies aged 28 as tributes paid

Former Team GB athlete Robbie Fitzgibbon has died at the age of 28.

His athletics club, Brighton Phoenix, announced the news saying he was the ‘epitome of a runner’s runner’.

Fitzgibbon represented Great Britain at the European Championships, where he reached the final, and also competed at several Diamond League events.

A Brighton Phoenix statement read: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of one of our most cherished athletes, Robbie Fitzgibbon.

“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.”

Fitzgibbon had been training for the Brighton Marathon in 2025 to raise money for the mental health charity Mind.

On his fundraising page, he said he had been diagnosed with psychosis in 2022.

He said he wanted to raise money for the charity to ‘help raise awareness and also raise some money to help support people who are in the same position I was in’.

His father, Robin, will now take his place in the Brighton Marathon.

Jake Wightman, the two-time British champion and Olympian, said: “Will always remember him as the young lad I met back in Kenya 2015, who always had a smile on his face. So so sad. RIP Gibbo.”

Team GB’s Ellie Baker added: “A real star. Thanks for the laughs and the memories Robbie. You will be missed by so many. Rest in peace my friend.”

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.”

Training partner Charlie Grice said: “You were a true fighter who always gave your best. How else do you make it to a European final? Rest easy, mate. You’ll never be forgotten.”

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