Who Was Geoff Capes?

Geoff Capes, one of Britain’s most well-known athletes and strongmen, passed away on 23rd October 2024 at the age of 75. A two-time World’s Strongest Man, a celebrated Highland Games competitor, and a former Olympic shot putter, Geoff Capes left an enduring legacy in British sport. This article will look at his life, achievements, and contributions to athletics and strength sports.

1. Early Life and Athletic Beginnings

Geoffrey Lewis Capes was born on 23rd August 1949 in Holbeach, Lincolnshire, England. From a young age, Capes displayed a passion for strength and athletics. Standing at an imposing 6’6” (1.97m), he naturally gravitated towards sports requiring both power and endurance. His athletic career began with a focus on the shot put, a discipline in which he would eventually become a national champion.

Career as a Shot Putter

Geoff Capes became a dominant force in British athletics as a shot putter. He won the British Athletics Championships in shot put seven times between 1970 and 1978, setting multiple national records. His achievements included representing Great Britain in two Olympic Games—first in Munich in 1972 and again in Montreal in 1976. His personal best in the shot put was an impressive throw of 21.68 metres, which stood as a British record for several years.

2. Geoff Capes and Strongman Competitions

After retiring from shot put in the late 1970s, Capes transitioned into strongman competitions, a sport where he would become a global icon. His powerful frame, combined with his mental toughness, made him one of the most successful strongmen of his era.

World’s Strongest Man Titles

Geoff Capes won the prestigious World’s Strongest Man competition twice, first in 1983 and again in 1985. He also consistently ranked among the top competitors in various international strongman events throughout the 1980s. His versatility across disciplines such as truck pulling, lifting, and log carrying helped cement his reputation as one of the greatest strongmen in history.

Other Strongman Achievements

In addition to his World’s Strongest Man titles, Capes won the UK Strongest Man competition three times and the Europe’s Strongest Man title twice. He also set several strength records during his career, including impressive feats in events like the car lift and stone lifting.

3. Highland Games Champion

Geoff Capes was also a prominent figure in the Highland Games, particularly in Scotland, where he won the title of World Highland Games Champion six times. Known for his skill in tossing the caber and throwing heavy weights for distance, Capes became a favourite in the traditional sport, showcasing his strength and agility in front of adoring crowds.

4. Life After Competition

Following his retirement from competitive sports, Capes remained active in strength-related pursuits and became an avid breeder of budgerigars, even judging international bird shows. He was also a mentor to aspiring strongmen and often appeared at events as a commentator and guest of honour.

Legacy and Influence

Geoff Capes’s influence extended far beyond his athletic achievements. He was a key figure in promoting strength sports in the UK and served as an inspiration to many young athletes. His dedication to his craft, combined with his friendly and approachable personality, made him a beloved figure in British sports.

5. Death and Tributes

Geoff Capes passed away on 23rd October 2024 at the age of 75. His death was met with an outpouring of tributes from the world of sports and beyond. Fans, athletes, and colleagues remembered him not only for his incredible strength but also for his humility, kindness, and commitment to his passions.

Conclusion: A Strongman in Every Sense

Geoff Capes will be remembered as one of Britain’s finest athletes, excelling in multiple disciplines. From his days as a record-breaking shot putter to becoming a two-time World’s Strongest Man and a dominant Highland Games competitor, Capes’s impact on the world of strength sports is undeniable. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched during and after his remarkable career.

Related Questions

1. What was Geoff Capes’s role in the Highland Games?

Geoff Capes was a six-time World Highland Games Champion, renowned for his ability to excel in traditional Scottish events like tossing the caber and stone throwing. His strength and technique made him one of the most successful Highland Games competitors in history.

2. Did Geoff Capes ever compete in the Olympics?

Yes, Geoff Capes competed as a shot putter in two Olympic Games, representing Great Britain in the 1972 Munich Olympics and the 1976 Montreal Olympics. He was one of the top shot putters in the world during the 1970s.

3. What records did Geoff Capes set in the strongman world?

Geoff Capes set numerous records in strength competitions, particularly in events such as the truck pull and log lift. His remarkable power and consistency earned him titles in multiple international strongman competitions.

Further Reading

• BBC Sport: The Legacy of Geoff Capes
• The Guardian: Geoff Capes on His Sporting Career
• World’s Strongest Man: Geoff Capes’s Achievements