Legendary Strongman and British Shot Put Record Holder Geoff Capes Passes Away at 75

Geoff Capes, the celebrated British shot put record holder and two-time World’s Strongest Man champion, has died at the age of 75. Capes, who set the British shot put record with a remarkable distance of 21.68 meters in 1980, left an enduring legacy in both athletics and strength sports.

In a heartfelt statement, his family shared: “The family of Geoffrey Capes would like to announce his sad passing today, 23rd October. Britain’s finest shot putter and twice World’s Strongest Man.”

Capes’ athletic accomplishments are vast, with two Commonwealth Games gold medals and two European Indoor Championships titles in shot put. A three-time Olympian, his closest brush with an Olympic medal came in 1980, where he finished fifth at the Moscow Games.

Born in Lincolnshire, Capes also excelled outside of shot put, becoming a six-time champion at the World Highland Games and gaining worldwide recognition through his victories at the prestigious World’s Strongest Man competitions. He claimed his first title in 1983 in Christchurch, New Zealand, and his second in 1985 in Cascais, Portugal.

Fellow strongman and 2017 World’s Strongest Man winner Eddie Hall paid tribute to Capes, describing him as “a true legend of strength.” Hall expressed, “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. His legacy will continue to inspire the next generation of strongmen and athletes around the world.”

Capes’ towering presence—standing 6ft 5.5in and weighing 170kg during his prime—was as significant as his influence on future athletes. Following his retirement, Capes became a dedicated coach, mentoring numerous aspiring athletes and making appearances on reality television.

In later years, Capes resided in the Lincolnshire village of Stoke Rochford, enjoying life with his two children and grandchildren. His remarkable achievements, kind spirit, and influence on the strength community ensure that his legacy will live on, inspiring future generations of athletes.

Rest in peace, Geoff Capes, a true giant in every sense.