British shot put record holder and twice world's strongest man Geoff Capes dies aged 75
by Asher McShane · LBCBy Asher McShane
Famous British shot-putter and two-time world's strongest man Geoff Capes has died at the age of 75.
Listen to this article
Loading audio...
A 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."
Geoff Capes set the record for the furthest shot put throw by a British man with a distance of 21.68m in 1980.
He twice won shot put gold at the Commonwealth Games and the European Indoor Championships.
He was also a three-time Olympian and came closest to winning a medal with a fifth-place finish at the 1980 Games in Moscow.
British Athletics posted: "British Athletics are saddened to hear the news of former British shot putter, Geoff Capes' passing. Our condolences go out to his family and friends at this time."
Following his retirement from competition Capes took up coaching and helped many aspiring athletes, as well as appearing on reality television shows.
He also went on to become a TV and stage personality, with 17 pantomime appearances and children’s TV appearances - to performances at the Palladium with Bobby Davro.