British athletics legend and former world's strongest man Geoff Capes dies aged 75
by PA Sport Staff · ChronicleLiveBritish Athletics has announced the passing of Geoff Capes, a former three-time Olympian and double world’s strongest man winner, at the age of 75. The celebrated Lincolnshire-born athlete secured Commonwealth shot put gold in both 1974 and 1978 and went on to be crowned World’s Strongest Man in 1983 and 1985.
In 1980, he set what remains the unbeatable British record with a 21.68m throw. His athletic prowess had previously shone in the European indoor athletics championships during the previous decade, where he won two golds, three silvers, and a bronze.
In a statement, British Athletics expressed their sorrow: "British Athletics are saddened to hear the news of former British shot putter, Geoff Capes’ passing." They extended their condolences to his loved ones: "Our condolences go out to his family and friends at this time."
The statement from Capes' family read: "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."
Geoff Capes' array of accolades also included a bronze at the World Strongman Challenge in Tokyo in 1987, and another bronze at the European outdoor athletics championships a decade prior. He represented Great Britain in the 1972, 1976, and 1980 Summer Olympics, achieving his highest Olympic placement, fifth, in Moscow during his final Games.
Although Carl Myerscough surpassed Capes’ British record in June 2003 with a 21.92-metre effort, the performance was not officially recognised.
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