Geoff Capes, the two-time world’s strongest man and – even in 2024 – the British shot put record holder, has died aged 75.
A brief family statement on Wednesday afternoon said: “The family of Geoffrey Capes would like to announce his sad passing today, October 23.
“Britain’s finest shot-putter and twice world’s strongest man.”
Capes had competed for Great Britain in the shot put at three successive Olympic Games – as well as winning two Commonwealth titles in the sport – and was seen as one of the great strongman athletes of his generation.
Capes, seen here establishing a new world record in truck-pulling at the Crystal Palace Sports Centre in London in 1983
PA
Even in 2024, Capes remained the British shot put record holder
GETTY
Born in Lincolnshire in 1949, Capes grew up in the small town of Holbeach – where he developed a multi-disciplinary passion for sport, going on to represent the county in football, basketball and cross-country.
After leaving the former George Farmer County Secondary Modern School, Capes then charted a career as a coalman and an agricultural labourer – and won fame in the latter role for being able to load 20 tons of potatoes in as many minutes.
More to follow…
