Geoff Capes, former World’s Strongest Man winner and shot putter, dies

Geoff Capes, the former World’s Strongest Man winner and British shot put record holder, has died.

Capes, who was 75, competed for Great Britain in the shot put at three Olympic Games, won two Commonwealth titles and twice won the World’s Strongest Man competition.

His cause of death is unknown.

Olympic javelin thrower Tessa Sanderson said: “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.

“Sincere condolences to his family. A great person and a giant of an athlete RIP Geoff Capes.”

Former strongman Eddie Hall called Capes a “true legend” who was “giant in heart and spirit”.

He 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.

“His legacy will continue to inspire the next generation of strongmen and athletes around the world.”

British Athletics said on X that it was “saddened to hear the news” of his death, and a reported family statement said: “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.”

Team GB’s official account said the organisation was “deeply saddened” by his death.

‘One of a kind’

Two-time Olympic medallist Fatima Whitbread described Capes as a “giant of a man [who] had a big heart”.

Speaking to Sky News’ The UK Tonight with Sarah-Jane Mee, the former javelin thrower said: “He was a great inspiration to me in my early days and was more like a brother than anything else.

“He helped me tremendously coming through in my international career. He was an amazing athlete and an even more amazing person.

“He was one of a kind, you will never find another Geoff Capes.”

Born in Lincolnshire, Capes was just over 6ft 5in and weighed 170kg at his peak condition, according to the Geoff Capes website.

He won the World’s Strongest Man title in 1983 and 1985.

He was recognised in The World’s Strongest Man Hall of Fame and the England Athletics Hall of Fame.

Following retirement from competitive sport, Capes continued to be involved in strength athletics as a referee, event promoter and coach.

Read more from Sky News:
Three found dead at care home
Liam Payne’s girlfriend releases statement
Former Beechgrove Garden presenter dies

Aside from sport, he had a lot of success breeding budgerigars, and became president of the Budgerigar Society in 2008.

Capes lived in Stoke Rochford, near Grantham, and had two children – who were also national shot put champions – and four grandchildren.