Connect with us

Sport

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

Published

on

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

BRITISH middle distance 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 28

1

Robbie Fitzgibbon has died at the age of 28Credit: Getty

The team confirmed he had died on October 7 as they paid tribute.

Advertisement

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.

“His contribution to Phoenix is enduring, living on through the countless memories we have shared.”

Advertisement

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.

“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.

Advertisement

“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.

Advertisement

“Robbie was not just an athlete to us; he was a friend, a team-mate, and an irreplaceable part of our Phoenix family.”

More to follow.

THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..

The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Sport

Horse racing tips: Templegate’s 8-1 NAP brings the best form to Newmarket’s big betting race

Published

on

Horse racing tips: Templegate's NAP can run them into submission under a jockey who dominates in front

TEMPLEGATE tackles a massive Saturday of racing confident of bashing the bookies.

Back a horse by clicking their odds below.

THE SUN RACING MEMBERS ENCLOSURE

The only place to get Templegate’s tips first – and at the best prices – is by joining Sun Racing’s brilliant Members Enclosure.

Sign up now for just £1* to be part of racing’s best winning team and get…

Advertisement
  • Four free racing tickets, four times a year – worth £300
  • Templegate’s daily tips at the BEST prices before anyone else
  • Tomorrow’s copy of The Favourite at 9pm today
  • Exclusive insights from Andrew Balding and Hayley Turner
  • VIP competitions from Racing Breaks each month
  • New customer offer with Coral

Become a member today for just £1*

*For the first month then £3 per month thereafter.

SIGN UP NOW

18+ Ts and Cs apply. First month membership £1, then £3 per month unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date. For more information contact help@thesun.co.uk

SIXANDAHALF (3.40 Newmarket, nap)

Advertisement

Was an excellent third in the Irish version of this two weeks ago where Gavin Cromwell’s mare proved her staying power. She likes cut in the ground and looks on a fair handicap mark.

LEAD ARTIST (1.15 Newmarket, nb)

He chased home Kinross in a hotter race than this at Doncaster last time. That was his latest excellent effort after he landed Group 3 honours at Goodwood in August. This slightly longer trip holds no fears and the Gosdens’ colt won’t mind if there’s juice underfoot.

Advertisement

DUAL IDENTITY (2.05 York, treble)

Will enjoy being back on the Knavesmire where he was an unlucky second two starts ago. Ignore his Cambridgeshire run last time as he had chronic traffic issues. This trip suits him better.

Advertisement

Templegate’s TV verdicts

NEWMARKET

1.15

LEAD ARTIST won in this grade at Goodwood before running a cracker behind Kinross in the Park Stakes at Doncaster. He shapes as though this longer trip will be fine and has more to come.

Al Mubhir just got collared near the line in France latest and this Frankel gelding has proven stamina. He should be on the premises again.

Advertisement

Liberty Lane has won his last two at HQ and deserves a crack at this after winning the Cambridgeshire easily. He had the draw and conditions in his favour but clocked a fast time.

Ancient Rome has been highly tried and comes into this after a wind op. A repeat of his run when a close second in a Group 2 at Ascot in July would put him bang there.

1.50

Advertisement

SHACKLETON landed an overdue win over 1m1f at The Curragh last time and can take another step forward. He handles any ground and Aidan O’Brien thinks a lot of him.

Starzintheireyes didn’t have a lot to beat at Leicester latest but went through the mud nicely and should relish this much longer trip for in-form Ralph Beckett.

Green Storm had almost ten lengths in hand when scooting in at Yarmouth 25 days ago. He clocked a decent time but will need more to follow up.

Ballydoyle second string County Mayo didn’t have to break sweat when winning at Gowran and could make the forecast spot.

Advertisement

2.25

SILVER PEAK can keep up Charlie Appleby’s amazing record in this race. He’s won the past four and five of the last seven.

This Dubawi colt showed plenty when winning at Haydock latest without breaking sweat and he’s proven over this mile.

Advertisement

Delacroix was very green when a promising second in a Group 2 at Leopardstown latest. He’ll want further in time but looks a real danger.

Wolf Of Badenoch was poor last time after going close in a hot Goodwood contest. A return to that form would give him a say.

Stanhope Gardens clocked a decent time in winning a minor race at Beverley but this is tougher so he needs more.

Advertisement

3.00

THE LION IN WINTER follows in the hoofprints of City Of Troy who won this for Aidan O’Brien last season.

His Acomb win at York was impressive and the form has been franked. He is up in class but will relish the step up in trip.

Shadow Of Light is no mug as he showed when blowing away Whistlejacket to take the Middle Park here two Saturdays ago.

Advertisement

He should stay this extra furlong and it will be a good battle between the pair.

Godolphin have another big chance with Ancient Truth who clocked a good time in the Superlative on the July course.

The break is a concern but there should be more to come over a trip that suits.

Advertisement

3.40

SIXANDAHALF came close to making all in the Irish version of this race, which is probably a hotter contest these days.

She may have used up a little too much petrol before boxing on when challenged and Rob Whearty is excellent value for his 3lb claim.

A 1lb rise for that gives her every chance for canny Gavin Cromwell who loves winning a big British prize.

Advertisement

As with all Emmet Mullins raiders, Jocovec Cavern has been well backed and with good reason after an excellent second in a big field at Galway when last seen in July.

He is a proven stayer who can make his presence felt.

Sea Of Sands has raced just once for Willie Mullins when winning a Listowel novice hurdle last month.

That was an unusual prep but this son of Sea The Stars was a Group 3 winner in Germany on the level and the booking of William Buick takes the eye.

Advertisement

Queenstown didn’t enjoy the fast ground when down the Ebor field at York but is another with Group form on his CV. He has plenty of weight but he can give Ryan Moore a good spin.

Spirit Mixer has a chance after a battling 2m win at Chester on soft last time, while last year’s winner The Shunter has only 5lb more and can’t be ruled out under James Doyle.

YORK

Advertisement

1.30

BOLO NEIGHS pocketed a quarter of a million when winning a Curragh sales race by seven lengths last time.

He had the best of the draw but still showed blistering speed in the tacky ground to win so easily.

He stays over his favoured six-furlong trip and will be hard to stop again.

Advertisement

Invictus Gold is improving with every run and came late to score at Newmarket last time. He relishes this trip and is another with more to offer.

William Haggas has a good record in this race and his Raneenn could be a fair bit better than we saw at Chester last time.

She still won easily in the soft conditions and has every chance of making the frame.

It Ain’t Two has been holding her own in Group contests including at Ayr latest. This is likely to be the softest ground she’s faced so far but it wouldn’t take a lot more to challenge.

Advertisement

2.05

DUAL IDENTITY didn’t get much room to race when midfield in the Cambridgeshire last time.

He’s better judged on his excellent second in a big field at the Ebor meeting here. He didn’t get the best of runs there either but finished strongly over this trip.

Advertisement

He has gone well on soft ground before and still looks on a fair handicap mark.

Stressfree scored over this trip at Chester last month and went close to following up at Leicester earlier this week. He likes testing ground and should be on the premises again.

Bolster has shown his best over this distance with some cut.

He is only 3lb higher than his game Epsom win in May and matched that form when going close at Newbury latest. He likes to force the pace and will take some pegging back.

Advertisement

Bennetot was a solid fourth in the Cambridgeshire and is in the mix with just 1lb more in the saddle.

Valvano is an interesting handicap debutant for Ralph Beckett in this hot company and is worth a market check.

2.40

Advertisement

STRIKE RED won this two years ago and has barely had his favoured soft ground since.

He ran a cracker at the Ebor meeting when second in a hot contest and he was away from the speed at Ayr latest. He’s only 1lb higher than his 2022 success and has a decent draw in stall nine.

Old boy Summerghand keeps coming down the weights and he’s sunk far enough to be an each-way player at a track he likes.

Aleezdancer won well here three starts ago and his rider’s claim takes him below that mark. He doesn’t have the greatest draw but could nick a place.

Advertisement

Secret Guest keeps making the frame and he was just denied at Ripon two Saturdays ago. He has a good berth in stall one and should be on the premises again.

First-time cheekpieces may perk up King’s Lynn who has run well on soft ground before.

Templegate’s tips

Advertisement

FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.


Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

  • Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
  • Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
  • Never chases their losses
  • Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
  • Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
  • Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

Source link

Continue Reading

MMA

UFC Vegas 98 preview show: Are Brandon Royval and Tatsuro Taira fighting for a title shot?

Published

on

UFC Vegas 98 preview show: Are Brandon Royval and Tatsuro Taira fighting for a title shot?

The UFC returns to the APEX this Saturday for UFC Vegas 98, headlined by a top-10 flyweight matchup between Brandon Royval and Tatsuro Taira. Royval is a former title challenger and the current No. 1-ranked contender at flyweight, while Taira is the undefeated prospect trying to make his way to the belt for the first time.

Ahead of Saturday’s Fight Night card, MMA Fighting’s Jed Meshew and Alexander K. Lee preview the entire card, including who wins the main event and whether a title shot is next up for the winner. Additionally, they discuss under-the-radar matchups on the card, which fighters are in danger of receiving their walking papers, the state of MMA judging, and much more.

Catch the UFC Vegas 98 preview show above. An audio-only version of the show can be found below and on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you find your favorite podcasts.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Sport

Premier League to ‘take neccessary time’ over response to Man City APT legal case

Published

on

Premier League to 'take neccessary time' over response to Man City APT legal case

However, in his latest correspondence to clubs, Masters says: “There have been many club conversations over recent days, with constructive and informative feedback provided.

“We now have a comprehensive set of information and data which is helping to inform our recommended approach and rule amendment drafting.

“We are taking the necessary time to develop our proposals and the associated draft rule amendments for club consideration.

“We will circulate these to clubs when fully considered and ready, which may impact on the scheduling of our planned meetings with Financial Controls and Legal Advisory Groups, and all clubs next week.”

Advertisement

Earlier this week, City claimed the Premier League‘s summary of the panel’s ruling was “misleading” and contained “several inaccuracies”, in an escalation of the dispute.

In a letter sent to top-flight clubs and the Premier League, City wrote that the rules were now “void”, that the club had “concern [over] the Premier League’s suggestion that new APT rules should be passed within the next 10 days”, and signalled possible further legal action if there was a “knee-jerk reaction”.

The league declined to comment.

Clubs approached by the BBC have expressed different views over the situation. One referred to “general concern at the potential destabilising effect of this ongoing dispute”.

Advertisement

Another said: “We want to move forward… there will obviously be modifications to the rules and it needs to be done in a thoughtful way and we go on. We want to focus on the football.”

Several others declined to comment.

The league has also written to the tribunal panel to get further clarity on the status of the APT regulations.

This case is not directly related to the Premier League disciplinary commission, which will hear 115 charges against City for allegedly breaching its financial regulations, some of which date back to 2009. City deny wrongdoing.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

MMA

Photos: BKFC: Spain ceremonial weigh-ins and fighter faceoffs

Published

on

Photos: BKFC: Spain ceremonial weigh-ins and fighter faceoffs

Check out these photos from the BKFC: Spain ceremonial weigh-ins and fighter faceoffs ahead of the event taking place at Marbella Arena in Marbella, Spain. (Photos courtesy of BKFC)

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sport

Iceland 2 Wales 2: Craig Bellamy’s men throw away two-goal lead as Dragons lose ground on Turkey in Nations League group

Published

on

Iceland 2 Wales 2: Craig Bellamy's men throw away two-goal lead as Dragons lose ground on Turkey in Nations League group

CRAIG BELLAMY suffered the first setback of his Wales reign as his team chucked away a two goal lead.

Brennan Johnson’s goal-scoring streak now stands at seven games after he tapped in the opener before Harry Wilson added a second.

Wales keeper Danny Ward produced a late own-goal leveller for Iceland

4

Wales keeper Danny Ward produced a late own-goal leveller for IcelandCredit: AP
Logi Tomasson celebrates sparking Iceland's second-half comeback win

4

Advertisement
Logi Tomasson celebrates sparking Iceland’s second-half comeback winCredit: AP
Brennan Johnson celebrates his Wales opener but the hosts fought back

4

Brennan Johnson celebrates his Wales opener but the hosts fought backCredit: AP

The Dragons were cruising at the break but then Iceland stormed back with sub Logi Tomasson bringing them back into it.

He also forced an own goal off keeper Danny Ward three minutes later as Wales were left clinging on to a point in the end.

Such an end to the game looked impossible as the visitors ran riot early on.

Advertisement

Wilson sprang the offside trap to go through on goal and his effort was partially stopped by home keeper Hakon Rafn Valdimarsson.

He got back to stop the ball trickling over the line but could only divert it into the path of Johnson who couldn’t miss.

That was only a fourth goal in 31 internationals for the Spurs man – but seven in his last seven games for club and country.

Wilson’s deflected shot struck a post but he did not have to wait long to double his team’s lead as he latched onto a sweeping pass from Neco Williams.

Advertisement

The Fulham man was again in the clear and his first touch was brilliant – giving him the chance to despatch it past Valdimarsson.

FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS

Williams then made his mark at the other end as he got back to clear a shot by former Burnley man Johann Gudmundsson off the line.

But the Dragons were a constant threat going forward and Sorba Thomas could have wrapped it up when he ran onto Wilson’s through ball but was denied by Valdimarsson.

Advertisement
Top 10 highest-paid Premier League stars

The only disappointment in an otherwise perfect first half for Bellamy’s men was a yellow card for Johnson – for a needless skirmish with Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson.

That means he misses Tuesday night’s home game against Montenegro – and he did not reappear after the restart.

It was a very different game after the re-start with Mikael Ellertsson firing over and Orri Oskarsson bringing a smart save out of Ward.

Andri Gudjohnsen – son of former Chelsea forward Eidur – fluffed a golden chance while Gudmundsson was denied by Ward.

Advertisement

But from the resulting corner, Tomasson was given far too much time to shoot through a crowd of players and into the corner from the edge of the box.

And three minutes later he beat Connor Roberts and his low cross from the left was diverted into his own net by Ward’s elbow. 

Now it was Iceland who looked the more likely to win it and the Dragons were relieved to see Thorsteinsson’s shot hit the base of the post.

The draw leaves Wales second in their group, two points behind Turkey.

Advertisement
Craig Bellamy watched on frustrated as the Dragons couldn't hold on

4

Craig Bellamy watched on frustrated as the Dragons couldn’t hold onCredit: AFP

Source link

Continue Reading

MMA

Cruz being in UFC’s bantamweight rankings is ‘bullish*t’

Published

on

Cruz being in UFC’s bantamweight rankings is ‘bullish*t’

Pedro Munhoz thinks Dominick Cruz has no business being in the UFC’s bantamweight rankings.

Cruz (24-4 MMA, 7-3 UFC) hasn’t competed since a knockout loss to Marlon Vera in August 2022. Prior to that, he defeated Munhoz by unanimous decision at UFC 269 in December 2021.

Munhoz (20-9-2 MMA, 10-9-1 UFC) has fought four times since losing to Cruz, and thinks the former bantamweight champion’s inactivity should result in him being removed from the rankings. Cruz is not currently booked for a fight.

“Yeah, that’s a little bit bullsh*t, the ranking situation,” Munhoz told Middle Easy. “Right after my fight against Kyler Phillips, I think I was No. 12. Then I fought him, they moved me to (No.) 13, 14, 15, and then eventually out of the rankings, but I’ve kept active all this time. Good for (Cruz), but that kind of stuff just shows me that it’s a bunch of bullsh*t. I don’t know who runs that, but it’s just bullsh*t. (Rob) Font has the same amount of defeats that I have. I beat him a few years ago, and he’s (No. 10).

Advertisement

“I think he has the same amount of losses that I have in the UFC. We fought basically almost the same guys, and when we fought, I beat him. I’ve thought about those things before. Like, why are these guys in the rankings? Why are these guys not so active and still in the rankings? This guy here I beat, he’s in the rankings and I’m not, but there’s nothing I can do about it. I’m very glad that the UFC wanted to keep me, wanted to keep re-signing me and give me fights. It’s something that I like to do, I love to do.”

Munhoz will look to snap a two-fight losing skid when he faces Aiemann Zahabi Nov. 2 at UFC Fight Night 246 from Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Be sure to visit the MMA Junkie Instagram page and YouTube channel to discuss this and more content with fans of mixed martial arts.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 WordupNews.com