British sports icon Geoff Capes dies at 75, leaves lasting legacy
On October 23, 2024, Geoff Capes, 75, passed away. He was a British record holder in shot put and a two-time winner of the World's Strongest Man competition. His impressive sports career and extraordinary personality have left a lasting mark on British and world sports history.
9:57 AM EDT, October 24, 2024
Born in Lincolnshire, Geoff Capes gained fame as an outstanding shot putter. His achievements included gold medals at the Commonwealth Games and titles at the European Indoor Championships.
Capes represented Great Britain thrice in the Olympics but never reached the podium. He came closest to winning a medal in 1980 in Moscow, finishing fifth.
Capes' personal best in shot put, measuring 71 feet, was set in 1980 and remained unbeaten in the UK for many years. Despite attempts to surpass it, including Carl Myerscough's throw of 72 feet in 2003, this result was not officially recognized, solidifying Capes' place in British athletics history.
However, Geoff's life was not only about shot putting. Twice, in 1983 in Christchurch, New Zealand, and in 1985 in Cascais, Portugal, he triumphed in the prestigious World's Strongest Man competition, making him an icon of physical strength.
Life after his sports career
After retiring from his sports career, Capes dedicated himself to coaching and supporting younger generations of athletes. He was also active in the media, appearing in television programs. It's also worth mentioning his unusual hobby – breeding budgerigars, in which he gained recognition and even served as the president of the British Budgerigar Society in 2008.
In his later years, Capes lived in the peaceful village of Stoke Rochford in Lincolnshire, surrounded by his family, including two children and grandchildren.
Remembering Geoff Capes
Geoff's passing has moved the sports community worldwide. British Athletics expressed its condolences, emphasizing that Capes was "the greatest British shot putter." Meanwhile, Team GB released a statement saying they are "deeply saddened" by Capes' death.
Many athletes, such as Tessa Sanderson, the Olympic javelin champion 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 respected Capes, describing him as a "great figure of British athletics" who "brought the crowds back to our sport."
The death 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.
