Sports
Two-Time World’s Strongest Man, Geoff Capes Dies At 75
Capes set the British shot put record in 1980 with a throw of 21.68m, a mark that remains unmatched. In a family statement, his loved ones announced his passing on October 23, describing him as “Britain’s finest shot putter and twice World’s Strongest Man.”
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Capes enjoyed a distinguished career, winning gold twice at both the Commonwealth Games and the European Indoor Championships. A three-time Olympian, he achieved his best finish with fifth place at the 1980 Moscow Games.
Born in Lincolnshire, Capes also excelled outside the shot put arena, winning six World Highland Games titles. His victories at the World’s Strongest Man competition in 1983 in Christchurch, New Zealand, and 1985 in Cascais, Portugal, cemented his status as a sporting icon.
2017 World’s Strongest Man winner Eddie Hall paid tribute, calling Capes a “true legend of strength.”
“Not only was Geoff a two-time World’s Strongest Man and a record-breaking shot putter, but he was also a giant in heart and spirit,” said Hall.
“He paved the way for athletes like me, showing that British grit and determination could conquer the world.
“Geoff was an inspiration to so many of us growing up, a man whose incredible achievements and character left a lasting mark on the strength community.
“His legacy will continue to inspire the next generation of strongmen and athletes around the world.
“Rest easy, big man. You’ll always be remembered as one of the greatest.”
According to the Geoff Capes Foundation, Capes stood 6ft 5.5in tall and weighed 170kg at his peak physical condition.
After retiring from competition, Capes turned to coaching, helping develop many young athletes. He also made appearances on two reality TV shows.
Although Carl Myerscough threw a longer shot put distance of 21.92m in Sacramento, USA, in 2003, the result was not officially ratified, leaving Capes’ record intact.
Later in life, Capes resided in the village of Stoke Rochford in Lincolnshire. He is survived by his two children and grandchildren.
In addition to his sporting achievements, Capes, a former Cambridgeshire police officer, was an avid budgerigar enthusiast and served as president of the Budgerigar Society in 2008.
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Following news of his death, British Athletics issued a statement: “British Athletics are saddened to hear the news of former British shot putter Geoff Capes’ passing.”
“Our condolences go out to his family and friends at this time.”
Team GB said it is “deeply saddened” by Capes’ passing.
Tessa Sanderson, the Olympic javelin champion in 1984, said Capes was a “great person and a giant of an athlete”, while reigning British shot put champion Scott Lincoln said he was the man who put the sport “on the map in the UK”.
He added on Instagram: “An icon, hero, legend, role model, friend and all round good guy. Will be sorely missed by not only me but so many around the athletics community.”
World Athletics president Lord Coe said: “Geoff’s passing is a sad moment for so many of us in both British and global athletics.
“He was a huge figure in British athletics and brought the crowds back to our sport. Fiercely independent, competitive, but always protective of the teams that he captained with distinction.”
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