Geoff Capes, former World’s Strongest Man, dies aged 75
Geoff Capes, UK's finest shot putter, passes away at 75
Geoff Capes, a former World’s Strongest Man champion and British shot put record holder, has passed away at the age of 75. Capes represented Great Britain in the shot put at three Olympic Games, claimed two Commonwealth titles, and won the World’s Strongest Man competition twice. The cause of his death remains unknown.
Olympic javelin thrower Tessa Sanderson expressed her grief, stating, “Sweet Jesus I’ve just heard the sad news about the passing of Geoff Capes. Geoff was a big asset to GB athletics and huge fun on the team.” She extended her heartfelt condolences to his family, describing him as a “great person and a giant of an athlete.”
Former strongman Eddie Hall honoured Capes as a “true legend” with a “giant heart and spirit.” Hall added, “Geoff was an inspiration to so many of us growing up, a man whose incredible achievements and character left a lasting mark on the strength community.” He emphasised that Capes’ legacy will continue to inspire future generations of strongmen and athletes worldwide.
Sad news today that British Strongman Geoff Capes has died aged 75, met him many years ago in my nightclub while supporting local athletes, he was a very nice man, my deepest sympathy to his family at this heartbreaking time. pic.twitter.com/oofhuPlIow
— Jim Mills (@millsjim44) October 23, 2024
British Athletics expressed their sadness over his death on X, and a reported family statement confirmed his passing on 23rd October. They referred to him as “Britain’s finest shot putter and twice World’s Strongest Man.” Team GB’s official account also conveyed deep sorrow over his death.
Two-time Olympic medallist Fatima Whitbread described Capes as a “giant of a man [who] had a big heart.” In an interview with Sky News’ The UK Tonight with Sarah-Jane Mee, Whitbread said Capes was a great inspiration to her in her early career and was more like a brother. She praised his support and described him as an amazing athlete and person, stating, “He was one of a kind, you will never find another Geoff Capes.”
Born in Lincolnshire, Capes stood just over 6ft 5in and weighed 170kg at his peak. He won the World’s Strongest Man titles in 1983 and 1985 and was inducted into The World’s Strongest Man Hall of Fame and the England Athletics Hall of Fame. After retiring from competitive sport, Capes continued his involvement in strength athletics as a referee, event promoter, and coach.
Beyond his athletic career, Capes found success in breeding budgerigars and became president of the Budgerigar Society in 2008. He resided in Stoke Rochford, near Grantham, and had two children, both national shot put champions, and four grandchildren.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Irish Times reports Geoff Capes, a former World’s Strongest Man and British Olympian, has passed away at 75, marking a significant loss in the world of strength athletics and British sports.(read more)
- The Guardian reports on the death of Geoff Capes, Britain’s most famous shot putter and World’s Strongest Man, at 75, highlighting his unparalleled athletic career and enduring legacy.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who was Geoff Capes?
Geoff Capes was a former World’s Strongest Man champion and British shot put record holder.
How old was Geoff Capes when he passed away?
Geoff Capes was 75 years old.
What did Eddie Hall say about Geoff Capes?
Eddie Hall called Capes a ‘true legend’ with a ‘giant heart and spirit.’
How did Tessa Sanderson react to Geoff Capes’ death?
Tessa Sanderson expressed grief and called Capes a ‘big asset to GB athletics.’
What did Geoff Capes do after retiring from competitive sports?
Geoff Capes became a referee, event promoter, coach, and successful budgerigar breeder.
