British Olympian and former world’s strongest man dies aged 75
Three-time Olympian and former world’s strongest man Geoff Capes has died at the age of 75, his family have announced.
Capes is Great Britain’s greatest ever shot putter and still holds the record for the longest throw, which he set in 1980 with a distance of 21.68m.
Away from athletics, Capes was crowned the World’s Strongest Man on two occasions, first taking the crown in 1983 and becoming a two-time champion two years later.
In a statement, Capes’ family said: ‘The family of Geoffrey Capes would like to announce his sad passing today, 23rd October.
‘Britain’s finest shot putter and twice world’s strongest man.’
The Lincolnshire-born star represented Great Britain at three Olympic Games but failed to win a medal, his best finish coming at Moscow 1980 when he finished fifth.
But Capes travelled to Russia as a big medal hope so later admitted his performance in Moscow left him ‘numbed with disappointment’.
While he went without an Olympic medal, Capes won two Commonwealth golds and two European indoor world titles. Capes was also a six-time world champion at the Highland Games.
Capes was a household name and a regular on TV screens in the 1980s – often showing off his incredible strength – and appeared on reality shows following his retirement from competition.
British Athletics said on X: ‘We 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.’
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