World's Strongest Man and shot-put legend Geoff Capes dies aged 75

Former shot-putter and world's strongest man Geoff Capes has tragically died. Capes, regarded as the finest shot-putter from Britain, has passed away at the age of 75.

His family released a statement confirming the tragic news. "The family of Geoffrey Capes would like to announce his sad passing today, 23rd October," it read. "Britain’s finest shot-putter and twice world’s strongest man."

Capes won gold medals at the Commonwealth Games and in the European Indoor Championships too during his shot-putt career. In addition to this, he won the World Heavy Events title in Lagos in 1981 and competed in the Highland Games in Scotland.

READ MORE: West Midlands' cheapest postcodes and the one thing they share in common

Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp, click the link to join

Later on in his life after retirement, Capes went in to coach stars in athletics and strength athletics. Among the athletes he helped was Adrian Smith who in 1990 at World's Strong Man, took fifth spot.

Capes was one of nine children and went on to become one of the most famous faces in Britain during the 1970s and 1980s. In shot put he set a national record of 21.68m in 1980 which still stands to this day. Despite being among the favourites when competing he was never able to deliver an Olympic medal.

He later turned his focus to the world of strongman. Capes finished in the top three on six separate occasions, peaking with victory in 1983 and 1985.

His children, Lewis and Emma, were also national shot put champions and the family tradition is currently being continued by grandchildren Donovan and Lawson.