British Athletics has shared the unfortunate news of the passing of Geoff Capes, renowned shot putter and two-time World’s Strongest Man. Capes, who was born in Lincolnshire, had a noteworthy athletic career, having represented Great Britain in three Olympic games and setting an unsurpassed British record with a throw of 21.68m in 1980.
Capes achieved significant successes in the 1970s and 1980s, securing victories in the Commonwealth Games in the shot put category in 1974 and 1978. Furthermore, he claimed the title of World’s Strongest Man in 1983 and 1985.
His skill wasn’t confined to the outdoor arenas, as Capes also found success indoors, claiming an assortment of medals in the European indoor athletics championships in the previous decade. This tally included two golds, three silvers and a bronze.
Capes’ family has confirmed the news of his passing at age 75, expressing their heartfelt sorrow at the loss of such a beloved figure who was Britain’s prime shot-putter and two-time world’s strongest man.
Capes, who had a background in policing before his athletic career, took home bronze in the 1987 World Strongman Challenge in Tokyo. This followed 10 years after his bronze-honour at the European outdoor athletics championships.
Capes’ Olympic journey includes his greatest contribution to the 1980 summer Olympics in Moscow where he achieved a fifth-place finish – his personal best.
Whilst Carl Myerscough surpassed Capes’ British record with a throw of 21.92 metres in June 2003, the record was not ratified.
Team GB and Lord Coe, president of World Athletics, respectively, conveyed their deep condolences upon hearing the news of Capes’ demise. Lord Coe went on to commend Capes roles in inspiring crowds and fostering a competitive spirit in British and global athletics. He extended his sympathies towards Capes friends, family, former teammates and all who had the chance to know him.