Tributes paid to ‘inspirational’ Geoff Capes after strong man dies aged 75

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Many people are paying their respects to Geoff Capes, the British shot putter who set records and was a two-time champion of the World’s Strongest Man competition. He has sadly passed away at the age of 75, and is remembered as a “giant in heart and spirit.”

The ex-police officer was a two-time Commonwealth Games champion and competed for Great Britain in the Olympics on three occasions. However, he is most recognized for his achievements in the World’s Strongest Man competition, where he won the title in 1983 and 1985.

The passing of the Lincolnshire strongman, who stood at six feet five and a half inches tall, was officially announced by British Athletics in a statement shared on their X account on Wednesday evening.

The message stated: “British Athletics is deeply saddened to learn about the passing of former British shot putter Geoff Capes. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.”

In a message from Geoffrey Capes' family, they shared, “We are heartbroken to inform everyone of Geoffrey Capes' passing today, October 23rd. He was Britain's top shot-putter and a two-time winner of the World's Strongest Man title.”

Along with his two victories, Capes also secured a spot on the podium four additional times in the World’s Strongest Man competition.

The official SBD World’s Strongest Man account posted on X: "We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of one of the all-time great strength athletes, Geoff Capes. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his family and friends. May he rest in strength."

Former British strongman Eddie "The Beast" Hall, who earned the championship in 2017, posted a picture of himself with Geoff Capes on Instagram. He accompanied the image with a heartfelt message, stating, "We lost one of the genuine legends of strength today—Geoff Capes."

Geoff wasn't just a two-time World’s Strongest Man and an exceptional shot putter with numerous records; he was also a remarkable person with immense heart and spirit. He inspired athletes like myself, proving that British resilience and determination could take on any challenge in the world.

Geoff served as a role model for countless individuals during our formative years. His remarkable accomplishments and admirable character made a significant impact on the strength community. The influence he had will carry on, motivating future generations of strongmen and athletes globally.

"Take comfort, my friend. You will forever be celebrated as one of the legends."

Capes was born in 1949 in Holbeach, Lincolnshire, as the seventh of nine siblings. As a child, he joined the Holbeach Athletic Club, where he received coaching from Olympic hurdler Stuart Storey. He also competed for his county in basketball, football, and cross-country running.

After finishing school, he held jobs as a coalman and a farmworker. According to his official biography from the Geoff Capes Foundation, he became known for his impressive ability to load 20 tons of potatoes in just 20 minutes. In 1970, he joined the Cambridgeshire Constabulary, where he dedicated the next ten years of his life to serving.

Capes won his first Commonwealth title in 1974 in Christchurch, and he successfully defended that gold medal four years later in Edmonton.

He had a fantastic run at the European Indoor Championships during the 1970s, winning two gold medals in shot put, along with three silver and one bronze. Additionally, he took home a bronze medal in the outdoor competition in 1974.

He competed for Great Britain in the Summer Olympics of 1972, 1976, and 1980, marking his highest finish as fifth place in his last appearance in Moscow. After that event, he transitioned from being an amateur athlete to a professional.

In May, he achieved a British record by throwing an impressive 21.68 meters in Wales, a mark that still stands as the top officially recognized throw by a British athlete. Seven years later, he secured first place in the World Strongman Challenge.

Capes later took on the role of a coach for numerous young athletes and even provided guidance to the England Athletics shot put team for a while.

In 2010, a storm brewed for a short while when two of his athletes faced temporary suspensions from competing. This happened after they were accused by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) of allegedly refusing to undergo drug testing.

Reports indicate that Capes has stepped down from his mentoring position with England Athletics. However, a representative from UK Athletics informed Inside the Games that they do not intend to take any disciplinary measures against the coach.

Capes was a talented competitor in the Highland Games, breaking records in various events.

A passionate animal enthusiast from a young age, Capes was a well-known breeder of budgerigars and even held the position of president at the Budgerigar Society for a time.

British Olympic bronze medalist Katharine Merry expressed her sorrow on X, saying: "I’m heartbroken to learn that Geoff Capes has died this morning in Lincoln at the age of 75. He was a gold medalist in shot put and a multiple-time World's Strongest Man."

"A true legend in the household. I'm suddenly reminded of Geoff Capes... a breeder of world-class budgerigars. Why Geoff, you ask? He explained that they're quite soothing. It's about big, strong guys and their tiny companions."

Frank Bruno, the former British WBC heavyweight champion, shared on X: “Rest in peace, Geoff Capes. We crossed paths several times, and he kept suggesting I try weightlifting. I turned him down. He also wanted to challenge me to an arm wrestling match, but I introduced him to my friend Gary Mason, who was really into arm wrestling, and then I let them enjoy it together!”