Geoff Capes, the celebrated British shot put record holder and two-time World’s Strongest Man, has passed away at the age of 75. His family announced his death on October 23, describing him as “Britain’s finest shot putter and twice world’s strongest man.”
Capes’ remarkable career spanned decades and included a series of illustrious achievements in athletics and strength competitions.
Capes is best known for setting the British shot put record with an impressive throw of 21.68 meters in 1980. This record stood as a testament to his strength and skill in the sport, earning him a place among the greats in athletics history.
He also competed in three Olympic Games, with his best performance being a fifth-place finish in the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
Born in Lincolnshire, Capes enjoyed a diverse athletic career, excelling not only in shot put but also in the Highland Games, where he claimed six championship titles, solidifying his status as the most successful competitor in the event’s history.
His achievements in strength sports brought him global recognition, particularly when he won the prestigious World’s Strongest Man competition in 1983 in Christchurch, New Zealand, and again in 1985 in Cascais, Portugal.
Tributes poured in following the announcement of Capes’ death. Fellow World’s Strongest Man winner Eddie Hall, who won the title in 2017, hailed Capes as a “true legend of strength.”
Hall noted, “Geoff was not only a two-time World’s Strongest Man and a record-breaking shot putter, but he was also a giant in heart and spirit. He paved the way for athletes like me, showing that British grit and determination could conquer the world.”
Hall emphasized Capes’ role as an inspiration for many aspiring athletes, stating that his legacy would continue to motivate future generations in the strength community.
Following his retirement from competitive sports, Capes dedicated himself to coaching, mentoring numerous aspiring athletes while also making appearances on reality television shows.
His contributions to athletics extended beyond competition; he played a significant role in developing the sport in the UK. Capes’ shot put record was later surpassed by Britain’s Carl Myerscough, who recorded a throw of 21.92 meters in 2003, though this result was not officially ratified.
In his later years, Capes resided in the Lincolnshire village of Stoke Rochford, where he was a devoted family man, having two children and several grandchildren.
Known for his unique interests, Capes was also a budgerigar enthusiast and served as the president of the Budgerigar Society in 2008.
British Athletics expressed its condolences, stating, “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 also voiced their sorrow, with Tessa Sanderson, the Olympic javelin champion, reflecting on Capes as a “great person and a giant of an athlete.”
Reigning British shot put champion Scott Lincoln highlighted Capes’ impact on the sport, saying he was the man who put shot put “on the map in the UK.”
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Lincoln called him an “icon, hero, legend, role model, friend and all-around good guy,” affirming that Capes would be sorely missed by the athletics community.
World Athletics president Lord Coe mourned Capes’ loss, noting, “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.” Capes’ legacy as a pioneering athlete and a beloved figure in sports will continue to resonate for years to come.
