Geoff Capes: Legacy of strength and character in sports
On October 23, 2024, Geoff Capes, the UK record holder in shot put and two-time winner of the World's Strongest Man competition, passed away. His impressive sports career and exceptional character have left a lasting mark on the history of British and world sports. He was 75 years old.
Born in Lincolnshire, Geoff Capes became renowned as an outstanding shot putter. His achievements include winning both gold medals at the Commonwealth Games and titles at the European Indoor Championships.
Capes represented Great Britain at the Olympics three times, but never made it to the podium. His closest chance to win a medal was in 1980 in Moscow, where he finished in fifth place.
Capes's personal best in shot put, a distance of about 22 metres, set in 1980, remained unbeaten in the UK for many years. Despite attempts to surpass it, including Carl Myerscough's throw of roughly 22 metres in 2003, the result was not officially ratified. This ensured that Capes left a permanent mark in British athletics history.
However, Geoff's life wasn't just about shot put. Twice, in 1983 in Christchurch, New Zealand, and in 1985 in Cascais, Portugal, he triumphed in the prestigious World's Strongest Man competition, solidifying his status as an icon of physical strength.
Life after sports career
After his sports career ended, Capes dedicated himself to coaching, supporting younger generations of athletes. He was also active in the media, appearing on television programs. It's worth mentioning his unusual hobby – breeding budgerigars, in which he gained recognition and even served as president of the British Budgerigar Society in 2008.
In his later years, Capes lived in the peaceful village of Stoke Rochford in the county of Lincolnshire, surrounded by his family – two children and grandchildren.
The memory of Geoff Capes
Geoff's passing moved the sports community worldwide. British Athletics expressed their condolences, noting that Capes was "the best British shot putter." Meanwhile, Team GB issued a statement saying they were "deeply saddened" by Capes's death.
Many athletes, such as Tessa Sanderson – the Olympic champion in javelin throw from 1984, and Scott Lincoln – the current British shot put champion, paid tribute to the legendary athlete.
Lord Sebastian Coe, president of World Athletics, also mentioned Capes with great respect, referring to him as a "great figure in British athletics," who "brought crowds back to our sport."
The passing of Geoff Capes is a huge loss for British and world sports. He will be remembered as one of the greatest and most versatile athletes in history, whose strength, character, and legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
