Geoff Capes, renowned British shot put record holder and two-time World’s Strongest Man, has passed away at the age of 75. Capes set the British shot put record with a remarkable distance of 21.68 meters in 1980, a feat that remains a high point in the nation’s athletic history. He competed in three Olympic Games, achieving his best result in 1980 in Moscow, where he placed fifth. Beyond shot put, Capes made his mark in strength competitions, notably winning the World’s Strongest Man titles in 1983 and 1985.
Capes was also highly successful in the World Highland Games, securing six championships, the most by any competitor in the event’s history. His towering physical presence—standing at 6ft 5.5in and weighing 170kg—combined with his strength and skill, made him a household name in the 1980s. Fellow World’s Strongest Man champion Eddie Hall paid tribute, describing Capes as a “true legend of strength” and a source of inspiration for generations of athletes.
In addition to his athletic career, Capes served as a policeman in Cambridgeshire for 10 years, but resigned ahead of the 1980 Olympics due to political pressure surrounding the Games’ boycott over Russia’s invasion of Afghanistan. Later in life, Capes became a coach and was also known for his love of budgerigars, even serving as president of the Budgerigar Society in 2008.
British Athletics and Team GB expressed deep condolences, while World Athletics president Lord Coe reflected on Capes’ significant contribution to British and global athletics, calling him a “huge figure” whose legacy will continue to inspire athletes worldwide.
