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    Team GB legend and former Strictly star Roger Black undergoes open heart surgery on condition he’s had for 47 YEARS

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    FORMER Olympian Roger Black has undergone open heart surgery on a condition he has lived with for 47 years.The Team GB legend is a two-time 4x400m relay world champion and he won two silver medals at the 1996 Atlanta Games.Roger Black has undergone open heart surgeryCredit: InstagramThe Team GB icon won two silver medals at the Olympics in 1996Credit: Times Newspapers LtdBlack, 58, battled a congenital heart condition throughout his glittering career.But the athlete underwent surgery last month after his health took a turn for the worse.Black said on Instagram: “Three weeks ago I had open heart surgery to replace my aortic valve and repair my aortic root.”My ‘incompetent’ bicuspid aortic valve was discovered when I was 11-years-old and for the last 47 years I have been looked after by the cardiac team at Southampton General Hospital.READ MORE SPORT NEWS”At my annual check-up last summer it was clear that things had deteriorated despite me having no obvious symptoms.’It was a shock but deep down I knew this day would come even though I never allowed my heart disease to define me and prevent me from pursuing my athletic career.”Thank you to Mr Tsang and all the medical team in Southampton who cared for me during what was a tough time in hospital. I am forever grateful.”Most of all thank you to my wife Jules who was there when I woke up in intensive care 11 hours after surgery and has cared for me every day in recovery.Most read in Athletics”Each day has been about small steps – yesterday was a big milestone as we walked to the top of St Martha’s Hill… our special place.”After retiring from athletics, Black worked as a pundit for the BBC as well as appearing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2004, where he partnered pro Camilla Dallerup.The former runner also reached the Masterchef final in 2006, losing to rugby hero Matt Dawson.Black is a father of three, having twin boys George and Max with wife Julia Burgess.He also has a daughter Isabelle from his previous marriage to Elsa Devassoigne.When Black was diagnosed with congenital heart disease aged 11, he was initially banned from playing sport.He eventually got back into playing rugby before switching to athletics aged 18.Black’s health has worsened in recent years and he no longer exercises intensely due to his condition.Roger Black with his wife JuliaCredit: instagram More

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      in Athletics

      BBC snub Keely Hodgkinson world record attempt for Blue Planet episode first broadcasted EIGHT years ago

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      THE BBC will not broadcast Keely Hodgkinson’s world record attempt this weekend on their main channels in a stunning snub.Team GB’s 800 metres Olympic champion is aiming to run the fastest time over the distance indoors on Saturday at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham.Keely Hodgkinson’s world record attempt will be shown on BBC IplayerCredit: PAThe feat is the headline act of the inaugural Keely Klassic and other top British stars will be involved across the six-hour hybrid athletics/entertainment meeting.It will be her first appearance in running conditions since the Paris 2024 Olympics when she became Britain’s tenth female track-and-field winner in history.Yet TV bosses are not showcasing the 4.30pm race on BBC1 or BBC2 and it has been squirrelled away instead on the BBC iPlayer – away from casual viewers.BBC1 will be showing Blue Planet II – the Green Seas episode was first broadcast on November 26, 2017 – before Final Score, the football results programme, starts at 4.30pm.READ MORE IN SPORTAround the same time, BBC2 will show a repeat of the 2022 historical drama Mr Malcolm’s List and then it is an old episode of antiques show Flog It!The failure to give her event prominence is surprising given that Hodgkinson, 22, was crowned Sports Personality of the Year by the BBC last December.Hodgkinson’s success at the Stade de France last August was the BBC’s most watched event of the last Olympics with 9.1 million viewers tuning in to see her glory over two laps.It was one of 14 gold medals for Team GB at the Paris Olympics.Most read in AthleticsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThis year she is going for a Track Treble, trying to win gold at the European Indoors, World Indoors and World Outdoors within the space of seven months.The BBC declined to comment but it is understood Salford-based bigwigs feel they are supporting the Keely Klassic rather than snubbing it by displaying the action on the iPlayer and digital platforms.Amazing moment Keely Hodgkinson smashes British record to become sixth fastest woman ever ahead of Paris 2024 Olympics More

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      Keely Hodgkinson’s SPOTY win could push Olympic superstar into the £1m-a-year bracket with sponsorships and endorsements

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      KEELY HODGKINSON’S SPOTY triumph is the crowning glory of a magnificent year.And according to financial experts, she is due to receive a cash windfall – possibly pushing her annual earnings towards the £1MILLION mark.Keely Hodgkinson scooped the prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year awardCredit: PAThe gong capped off an incredible 2024 for the middle-distance runnerCredit: PAAnd it could soon lead to her raking in the cash courtesy of endorsement dealsCredit: REUTERSShe went into the Paris Olympics with an enormous weight of expectations on her shoulders as favourite for 800m gold.But Hodgkinson, still only 22, coped admirably with the pressure to deliver emphatically over 116 seconds and two laps of the Stade de France track.And now she can utilise her new-found fame with the BBC’s SPOTY award to ensure her financial security for years to come.Dr Dan Plumley, sports finance expert at Sheffield Hallam University, told casino.co.uk: “Scooping the SPOTY award will only increase her fame and status.READ MORE ON KEELY HODGKINSON“She’s already becoming one of the most recognisable faces for UK Athletics.“Her success can lead to off-track partnerships and endorsements with good relationships with brands and marketing agencies.“Off-field earnings are a key driver of financial success for individual athletes.“And it is not unusual to see athletes pursue sponsorship and commercial opportunities to boost their income.Most read in AthleticsBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSKeely Hodgkinson celebrates her SPOTY win with Trevor Painter and Jenny MeadowsCredit: PA“Form and success on the track will continue to drive what happens for next for Hodgkinson.”But there is little doubt that the sponsorship opportunities will continue to come in.”Olympic winner Keely Hodgkinson soaks up the atmosphere with Man Utd fans at Old Trafford Hodgkinson stole the nation’s hearts last summer in Paris.Everybody had expected Hodgkinson – the world’s leading 800 metres runner – to storm to victory on the night of Monday, August 5 and she did just that.Her beaming smile and warm personality is why this girl from the Greater Manchester town of Atherton, who now lives in Salford, was voted last night as BBC Sports Personality of the Year.This is the fourth successive year a woman has lifted the prestigious trophy – following tennis superstar Emma Raducanu and footballers Beth Mead and Mary Earps – and that is a record.It is the 19th time in 60 years someone from track-and-field has received the main SPOTY Award, more than any other sport.Decent company that includes former winners Steve Ovett, Seb Coe, Daley Thompson, Kelly Holmes and Mo Farah.A reminder that even if some big names refuse to do media or the sport continues to suffer financial cutbacks, there is an appetite for athletics at the highest level.These days Hodgkinson, is used to winning races that she enters but that was not always the case.Keely Hodgkinson has the potential to become the face of British athleticsCredit: AlamyUntil this summer, the middle-distance heroine had to accept silver at THREE major championships – the 2021 Olympics and 2022 and 2023 World Championships.Those second-placed results really hit her hard, especially as she was defeated on each occasion by fractions of a second.Concerns that she might once again become the bridesmaid were allayed as she entered the Games having posted a personal best of 1:54.61 in London in July – the sixth-best time in history.Everything went perfectly on the track in 2024 – “the first time in a year where I’ve actually achieved everything ” – something that perhaps only happens once or twice in an athlete’s career.Yet this time 12 months ago, she was unable to run for NINE WEEKS over Christmas and the New Year due to a serious knee issue.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt was all down to a freak accident where she had “torn a ligament and tendon and a little bit of my hamstring around the knee area”.Whilst she was eager to resume training early, it was only by listening to and trusting her coach Trevor Painter that she managed to rest up and then make a successful return. More

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      BBC SPOTY favourite Keely Hodgkinson reveals fashion legend touched her cheek and called her beautiful

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      KEELY HODGKINSON says being branded “beautiful” by fashion icon Giorgio Armani was the craziest thing to happen to her since becoming Olympic 800 metres champion.From the running track to the catwalk, Britain’s athletics superstar is hot property these days and was invited to Milan in September by a major fashion brand.Keely Hodgkinson says she was branded ‘beautiful’ by Giorgio ArmaniCredit: GettyThe Olympic champ is frontrunner to win SPOTY tonightCredit: Sunday TimesShe loved being praised by fashion legend ArmaniCredit: GettyAs someone comfortable in both spikes and stilettos, Hodgkinson was surprised to be noticed by the famous Italian designer who was enthralled with her epic display in Paris.Hodgkinson, 22, said: “The craziest thing that has happened to me? I’m going to say when I met Giorgio Armani . . . “He came over to me and put his hand on my cheek and called me ‘Bella’ (pretty in English). Which I thought was really nice.“He’s just a little man. I met him in Milan at Fashion Week briefly. He can’t speak English but he’s quite into his sport.  He’s a lot older now, he’s 90 years old, but he looks great.READ MORE IN SPORT“He’s still heavily involved in his work. That was a really cool moment.”It is one wonderful example that sums up the mad celebrity world that Hodgkinson now inhabits.But she has earned that as only NINE other women have won an Olympic gold medal in Team GB colours in track and field over 60 years.It is why she is the front-runner to be named BBC Sports Personality of the Year, which is being held close to her apartment in Salford, tonight.Most read in AthleticsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIf it happens, and darts star Luke Littler is a strong challenger, she will become the fourth woman in a row to receive the accolade — a record — but ten less than the men’s longest stretch.And her training mentor Trevor Painter, who masterminded three Olympic medallists this summer, is likely to be named Coach of the Year.Olympics hero Keely Hodgkinson thanks her home town for their support at the Paris Olympics Hodgkinson won the 800m gold in ParisCredit: GettyShe became a national treasure with victory over the summerCredit: GettyHodgkinson said: “If I go back to the beginning of the year when I started training, it didn’t go my way at all.“I spent a couple of months out with injury. But I just kept trusting the process and training got better.“About a month out, I realised I was in really good shape.“It’s the first time in a year where I’ve actually achieved everything I’ve set out to achieve on the outdoor track, which is quite special and doesn’t happen very often.”In 2025, Hodgkinson will attempt to win a hat-trick of gold medals at European and World Indoor level and then it is the World Outdoor Championships in September.And the controversial 800m world record of 1min 53.28sec — set in 1983  by Jarmila Kratochvilova of the Czech Republic — is within her sights. The question is whether she can do it in the next 12 months or closer to the LA 2028 Games.Hodgkinson, whose current PB is 1:54.61, said: “Medals can never be taken away from you, so that will always be a top priority. I don’t have a World Championship gold yet.“I do think 1.53 is possible — but obviously it takes a special race.READ MORE SUN STORIES“You’ve got to be in perfect shape, with perfect conditions, the right race for all that to come together.” BBC Sports Personality of the Year will be available to watch live tonight from 7pm on BBC One and iPlayerHodgkinson has also become a style iconCredit: GettyShe is up against some big names for SPOTYCredit: keely.hodgkinson/Instagram More

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      in Soccer

      Incredible display shows Jude Bellingham’s overhead kick for England and Team GB Olympic hero winning gold

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM’S overhead kick at the Euros has been honoured on a shop display.One of three installations paying tribute to the nation’s most joyous moments of 2024, it depicts the Real Madrid star’s injury-time bicycle kick against Slovakia.Jude Bellingham’s overhead kick has been honoured in a displayCredit: SWNSThe goal was voted the third most joyous moment of the yearCredit: GettyOlympic hero Keely Hodgkinson has also been shown in a displayCredit: SWNSShe won gold at the Paris OlympicsCredit: The TimesAll three installations were crafted by prop maker Andy Billett using food from the chain’s seasonal menu, including items such as mince pies and gingerbread.Bellingham’s goal is not the only sporting moment of the year to be honoured.Keely Hodgkinson is part of the display as it shows her celebrating her gold for Team GB in the 800 metres at this summer’s Olympics.The displays are on show at the Pret A Manger in New Street, Birmingham.READ MORE ON SPORTThey are completely made out of food and are good enough to eat.Bellingham’s overhead kick was rated third for in the list of most joyous moments in the nation for 2024.Hodgkinson’s achievement came fifth in the rankings.The list was compiled through research of 2,000 adults, which was carried out by Pret.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEngland men’s football team reaching the final of Euro 2024 topped the poll, while second place went to Sir David Attenborough for his 70 years on TV.Katherine Bagshawe, Pret’s UK food and coffee director, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to depict some of the most joyous moments that helped define 2024, as chosen by the nation.Keeley Hodgkinson rings Olympic bell“With 25 per cent of respondents saying they associated joy with their favourite foods.”We felt paying tribute through food was a fitting way to celebrate joyous moments.”Other moments that sparked joy in the nation included Oasis reforming and Luke Littler reaching the final of the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship.Andy Murray’s emotional farewell retirement match at Wimbledon also made the top ten.Almost half (45 per cent) believe they’ll look back on this year fondly as a time which brought them happiness – with 22 per cent describing 2024 as their most joyful one to date.READ MORE SUN STORIESOn average, those polled have experienced 44 moments of joy so far this year – around four a month – and 30 per cent expect to see an increase next year.But it emerged 50 per cent believe they don’t prioritise their own joy enough, with 33 per cent unable to recall the last time they did something for themselves which gave them such a boost.TOP 10 – 2024 MOMENTS OF JOYHere are the top 10 most joyous moments for the Nation in 2024 according to Pret’s research…1. England men’s football team reaching the final of Euro 2024.2. David Attenborough celebrates 70 years of service as a conservationist and broadcaster3. Jude Bellingham’s overhead goal for England against Slovakia at Euro 20244. The announcement of the Gavin and Stacey Christmas special5. Keely Hodgkinson’s 800 meters gold at the Olympics for Team GB6. Sixteen-year-old Luke Littler reaching the final of the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship7. Andy Murray’s emotional retirement match at Wimbledon8. Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour9. The announcement Oasis are reforming10. The Coronation Street 65th anniversary special More

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      in Boxing

      Olympic champ, 53, who David Haye brutally KO’d returns to boxing with emotional statement about ‘facing my demons’

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      AUDLEY HARRISON has announced he is returning to boxing.Harrison became Team GB’s first Olympic boxing champion since 1968 when he returned from Sydney in 2000 with the gold. Audley Harrison announced he is back in boxing as a managerCredit: X/ audleyharrisonDavid Haye knocked out Harrison in 2010Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdBut he could not recreate the same success in the professional ranks, infamously losing by third-round knockout to David Haye in 2010.Harrison retired in 2013 but has now revealed plans to return as a manager after having his licence approved. He posted on social media: “I walked away from boxing for many years … partly because I didn’t want to tell my story, as I didn’t want to face my demons of my past, but life doesn’t work like that, so I’m ready to lift the lid, but not now.”All that knowledge & experience I have hasn’t gone, its been sitting dormant, waiting for me to return to guide that fighter who’s fallen and needs my support to help him rise.READ MORE IN BOXING”Ready like Freddy – its’ time to go. Cheers to me.”Harrison turned pro a year after his Olympic heroics and breezed past his first 19 fights. But the cracks started to appear after suffering consecutive losses to Danny Williams and then Dominick Guinn.Williams lost Commonwealth, European and British heavyweight title fights before challenging for Haye’s world heavyweight championship. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut Harrison only landed ONE single punch the whole bout and his career was left in tatters in the aftermath.The heavyweight boxed six times after defeat to Haye, losing for the final time against future champ Deontay Wilder. In retirement, Harrison, 53, featured on TV shows such as Strictly Come Dancing, Celebrity Big Brother and MasterChef while becoming a poker player. Mike Tyson, 58, sparks concern as he says he ‘wants to die in the ring’ ahead of Jake Paul fight in new Netflix video More

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      in Athletics

      Divine Iheme: Meet the 14-year-old British sprint prodigy who is fastest U15 in HISTORY and dubbed ‘next Noah Lyles’

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      SPRINT sensation Divine Iheme is on the fast track to Olympic glory.The 14-year-old is the fastest ever Under-15 runner, getting across the 100m finish line in just 10.3 seconds.Divine Iheme is Team GB’s sprinting wonderkidCredit: GettyHe is the fastest Under-15 runner in historyCredit: GettyIheme is nicknamed ‘Lightening’Credit: GettyJamaican star Sachin Dennis held the previous record at 10.51 seconds, with the two tenths difference considered an absolute age in the sprinting world.Iheme’s blistering pace has seen him dubbed the “next Noah Lyles”.And rightly so as the American Paris Olympics gold medal winner ran a best of 11.27 seconds when he was that age.All eight men in the 100m final in Paris ran sub-ten seconds for the first time ever.READ MORE IN SPORTLyles won it with a 9.79 second dash as last placed Oblique Seville came in at 9.91.At the speed of Iheme’s improvements, he could be making his mark on the world stage in no time.The teenager nicknamed “Lightening” has also lived up to his tag in the 200m, running a stunning 21.68 seconds.Sprinting is in his genes as both of his parents represented Nigeria at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester.Most read in AthleticsHis mum Nkiruku competed in the 100m and 200m like her son, while his dad Innocent was in the 100m and the long jump.They both now coach their son in Oxford, and have admitted his pace is a “God-given talent”.Team GB’s gold medal haul from the 2024 Olympics in Paris gold 14Michael Ofo of SOS Management, who has helped British heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley on his rise to the top, is also in Iheme’s camp.Despite being eligible for Nigeria, Iheme is committed to Team GB.He told Sky Sports: “I was born here, I’ve had free education, free school meals. Everyone here has been taking care of me, child support, all this stuff.”I feel like I’m going to run for Great Britain because they have helped me the most.” But when it comes to inspirations, Iheme looks further afield, saying: “Noah Lyles is a great athlete and he’s given me a lot of confidence to pursue this career, run quicker, get a better time.Noah Lyles won 100m gold in ParisCredit: Getty”I’ve watched quite a lot of Usain Bolt’s races and Allyson Felix’s 200m, 400m and relays.”Probably the first race I watched was Bolt’s 200m world record, the 19.19, I was inspired to pursue my dream.”I try my best to slingshot off the bend [in 200m] and continue holding first until I cross the finish line.”In my opinion, I think my running style is unique and natural. I don’t try to model it on anyone.”Iheme is keen to one day run as fast as Bolt – but his main aims are more heartwarming.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “I always try to do my parents proud. I want to make sure that in the future, they can just sit back and relax while I can get them gifts, buy them a house, buy them things for their future.”The goal is to try and make them happy, make them live a great life.”Iheme’s parents admit his pace is a ‘God-given talent’Credit: Getty More

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      in Boxing

      Olympic champion and TV star reveals plans for shock boxing comeback at 42 – after cracking Hollywood

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      A FORMER Olympic champion is set for a shock boxing comeback aged 42.But only once she has cracked Hollywood. A former Olympic gold medalist and world champion is ready to return to boxingCredit: Dan Charity – The SunThe British star secured gold medals at London 2012 and then again four years later, defending her title at Rio 2016.But a torn pupil in her eye left her at risk of going blind so she retired in 2019 with an undefeated pro record. Now, though, five years on, Nicola Adams is ready to return to the ring.She told The Sunday Times she has been “steadily doing the groundwork” and is prepared to channel her inner Floyd Mayweather.READ MORE ON BOXINGAdams said: “I just feel like I might have one or two fights left in me. “It’s pretty certain [it will happen], 90 per cent.“I think I just needed a break because I’d spent God knows how many years of my life boxing and there were so many different things I wanted to try and do.“But I never stopped training, I’ve already stayed in shape, and when I look at the skill level of the girls in and around my weight division, I’m definitely backing myself. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“I feel the same as Floyd Mayweather does. “He was still able to control these younger fighters when he was 40-something years old because of his skill and ringcraft.Olympic boxing gold medallist, Nicola Adams, offers women self-defence lessons to empower them in situations they may otherwise feel vulnerable “I want a big fight, and why not throw a [world title] belt in there for good measure.”Leeds’ Adams, who turns 42 later this month, rose to prominence with her golden success at her home Olympics then backed it up in Brazil four years later. Adams collected all the amateur titles available to her, was Olympic, world and European champion simultaneously and then turned pro in 2017 after 99 amateur bouts.The following year, she claimed the vacant WBO flyweight world title against Isabel Millan then kept hold of it in a draw with Maria Salinas in September 2019.But the Salinas fight came at a cost, with Adams sustaining the eye injury that saw her hang up her gloves with a 5-0-1 record.That gave the Yorkshirewoman – awarded an MBE and OBE – the chance to explore different avenues, including becoming a mother with her girlfriend Ella Baig via IVF. Adams featured in the first same-sex pair on Strictly Come Dancing in 2020.I spent a couple of years trying to undo my poker face because in boxing you never show any emotion. It was difficult at first to show what I’m actually feeling inside.Nicola AdamsShe also appeared on Celebrity Gogglebox and had cameos on Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Waterloo Road. And now after classes at Identity School of Acting, she has landed her first gig in a Hollywood film – following a host of rejections. Adams will appear in The Gun On Second Street, a film about two Pittsburgh police officers who exchange lives after an unexpected, tragic event, alongside Poppy Delevingne. She added: “Landing the first role is always the hardest. It’s taken me five years. “I’ve done a lot of self-tapes. I think because I’m seen as a boxer people think you can’t act so I’ve almost got more to prove.“It’s not just, ‘Oh look, Nicola Adams,’ and then I’m gone. I’ve got a really good part. I’ll be doing an American accent as well so I’ve been working with voice coaches.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s just been a really exciting journey learning how to express myself in different roles. I spent a couple of years trying to undo my poker face because in boxing you never show any emotion. “If you get hurt in the ring, you can’t show your opponent anything. It was difficult at first to show what I’m actually feeling inside.”Nicola Adams has been in training and is prepared to get back inside the professional ropesCredit: PA:Press AssociationAdams won the hearts of the nation with a gold for Team GB at London 2012Credit: AFPShe was crowned WBO flyweight world champ but retired in 2019 with an eye injuryCredit: PA:Press AssociationHer various TV appearances include competing on Strictly Come DancingCredit: PA More

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      Robbie Fitzgibbon dead aged 28: Tributes pour in as ex-Team GB star tragically passes away

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      BRITISH middle-distance runner Robbie Fitzgibbon has died at the age of 28.His tragic death was announced by his club, Brighton Phoenix, on Friday evening.Robbie Fitzgibbon has died at the age of 28Credit: GettyThe team confirmed he had died on October 7 as they paid a heartfelt tribute.A statement from chairman Mike Townley and vice chair Josh Guilmant said: “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.”Though Robbie will no longer run alongside us, share his stories, or lift our spirits with his humour and kindness, his presence will continue to be felt in everything we do as a club. READ MORE IN SPORT”His contribution to Phoenix is enduring, living on through the countless memories we have shared.”Fitzgibbon had been a standout talent at junior level, winning the English schools 1500m title in 2014 and finishing fifth in the 1500m final at the European Athletics U20 Championships.He finished 13th in the 1500m in the London Anniversary Games in 2017.Fitzgibbon had originally joined Phoenix at the age of 12, and continued to represent Great Britain at international level, including several Diamond League events.Most read in AthleticsThe statement added: “In recent years, Robbie took a step back from the intense nature of track running moving from middle-distance to becoming a key member of our distance group, finding enjoyment again not just in racing cross country and road but being part of the team and wider Phoenix community. “He would always be the first to put his hand up for another race.”This summer, he was part of the South Downs Way Relay team, setting a leg record along the way, medalling in the County Cross Country Champs at Goodwood where he started his club running career and running Christmas day parkrun at Preston Park on a monumental hangover.”Robbie gave so much to the club, and we know the club meant just as much to him. It is difficult to find the right words in moments like these. “Robbie was not just an athlete to us; he was a friend, a team-mate, and an irreplaceable part of our Phoenix family.”His final international appearance had come at the European Indoor Championships in Glasgow in 2019, where he suffered an ankle injury which prevented him from returning to the same level.As recently as June, he had won the Bexhill 5km with a time of 15:13, and had been preparing to run the Brighton Marathon next year for charity Mind.His father will run in his place to honour his memory after his passing.The statement continued: “Robbie had been preparing to run the 2025 Brighton Marathon in aid of the charity Mind. READ MORE SUN STORIES”His dad Robin will now run in his place and, to honour his wishes, we invite those who are able to consider donating to his chosen cause in his memory.”Donations can be made HERE. More