Extremely sad news struck the strength community on October 23rd, as it was revealed that Geoff Capes has passed away at the age of 75-years-old. His passing was revealed by the members of his family and multiple sporting organizations that had the pleasure of hosting Geoff in their competitions throughout the years. The cause of Geoff Capes’ death is still unknown.
Geoff Capes was best known for his success in the sports of Strongman and Shot Put, where he often topped leaderboards in even some of the biggest competitions in the world. However, his presence was also appreciated outside of the sport, as many of his colleagues admired his personality and kindness.
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The Life of Geoff Capes
Geoff Capes was born on August 23rd, 1949, in Holbeach, Lincolnshire, and grew up among eight siblings. Despite being one of the youngest in his family, Geoff displayed incredible sporting prowess, succeeding in nearly any sport he tried. So, in his early years, Geoff displayed great talent in football, basketball, and running. However, an unusual feat that would fascinate anyone who met him was the fact that he was able to load 20 tons of potatoes in just 20 minutes.
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As he got older, Geoff Capes decided to follow the steps of some family members, thus joining the police force. His career lasted for a decade, after which he decided to focus more on his sporting journey.
One sport that Geoff Capes was especially fond of was Shot Put. In turn, following his passion, Geoff managed to become one of the most decorated British male athletes in history. His greatest success in Shot Put was winning the 1974 & 1978 Commonwealth Games, as well as the 1974 & 1976 European Indoor Championships. Moreover, his Shot Put of 21.68 meters (71-ft 2-in) would end up being the British Record for decades to come.
Geoff Capes earned even more fame once he transitioned over to the sport of Strongman, further proving just how insanely strong he was. He won the inaugural Britain’s Strongest Man competition in 1979, marking a great start to his career.
The very next year, Geoff Capes managed to win the 1980 Europe’s Strongest Man competition. He repeated that success in 1982 and 1984 as well, making him a three-time champion at this competition.
However, Geoff Capes’ most notable success in Strongman came in 1983 and 1985. In both of those years, Geoff managed to win the World’s Strongest Man competitions, making him one of the greatest Strongman athletes in history.
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Many of the high-level Strongman athletes have released statements, remembering Geoff Capes and expressing their condolences. One of those was Eddie Hall, the 2017 WSM champion, who also originates from Great Britain.
“Not only was Geoff a two-time World’s Strongest Man and a record-breaking shot putter, but he was also a giant in heart and spirit. He paved the way for athletes like me, showing that British grit and determination could conquer the world,” wrote Eddie Hall on Instagram.
The Fitness Volt team extends condolences to Geoff Capes’ family and friends. He was one of the greatest athletes in both Strongman and Shot Put, but also an incredible human being. His legacy will be eternal, and his achievements will continue to inspire generations to come. May he rest in peace.
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