Former Olympian and world’s strongest man Geoff Capes dies at 75

British Athletics announced that two-time world’s strongest man and three-time Olympian Geoff Capes has died at the age of 75.

The athlete, who was born in Lincolnshire and worked as a coal miner, farm laborer and policeman before turning to sport, won Commonwealth shot put gold in 1974 and 1978 and was crowned the World’s Strongest Man in 1983 and 1985.

In 1980 he broke the British record with a throw of 21.68m, which remains the best throw ever confirmed, and he also achieved success at the European indoor athletics championships in the previous decade, claiming two gold, three silver and one bronze medals.

It was also a contestant on BBC. superstars TV show.

British Athletics said in a statement that it was “saddened to hear the news of the death of former British shot putter Geoff Capes.”

“We extend our condolences to his family and friends at this time.”

In the statement made by Capes’ family, it was said: “The family of Geoffrey Capes would like to announce his sad death today, October 23.

“Britain’s best shot putter and twice the strongest man in the world.”

Capes was born in Holbeach, Lincolnshire, in 1949, the seventh of nine children. A talented athlete, he represented his county in a variety of sports, including football and cross-country, before working as a coal miner and agricultural worker.

He later joined the police force, following his grandfather, uncle and older brothers, and joined Cambridgeshire Constabulary in 1970.

While serving in the force, Capes represented Great Britain at the 1972 and 1976 Summer Olympics.

However, he resigned before the 1980 Moscow Games after refusing to support Margaret Thatcher’s call for a boycott. He finished fifth, his best performance at the Olympics.

Capes then turned to strongman competitions, winning world championships in 1983 and 1985 and starring in the hugely popular film. superstars A TV program broadcast on BBC.

He also achieved unexpected fame as a renowned budgie breeder, eventually becoming president of the Budgie Society in 2008.

Fellow World’s Strongest Man winner Eddie Hall, who won in 2017, paid tribute to Capes, saying he was “a true legend of strength.”

“Geoff was not only a two-time World’s Strongest Man and a record-setting shot putter, he was also a giant of heart and soul,” Hall said.

“He paved the way for athletes like me, showing that British courage and determination could conquer the world.

“Geoff was an inspiration to many of us growing up; He was a man whose incredible accomplishments and character left a lasting mark on the power community.

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

“Rest easy, big guy. You will always be remembered as one of the greats.”