, the British shot put record holder and two-time world’s strongest man, has died aged 75.
Capes set the record for the longest shot put by a British man with a distance of 21.68m in 1980. In a statement, Capes’ family 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.»
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paid tribute to Capes by saying he was a true legend of strength. «Not only was Geoff a two-time World’s Strongest Man and a record-breaking shot putter, but he was also a giant in heart and spirit.»
In a statement, British Athletics said: «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.» , the Olympic javelin champion in 1984, said Capes was a great person and a giant of an athlete, while reigning British shot put champion Scott Lincoln said he was the man who put the sport on the map in the UK.
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He added on Instagram: «An icon, hero, legend, role model, friend and all-round good guy. Will be sorely missed by not only me but so many around the athletics community.» World Athletics president Lord Coe said: «Geoff’s passing is a sad moment for so many of us in both British and global athletics. He was a huge figure in British athletics and brought the crowds back to our sport. Fiercely independent, competitive, but always protective of the teams that he captained with distinction.»
Capes had an illustrious career, twice winning gold in the shot at both the Commonwealth Games and the European Indoor Championships. He was a three-time Olympian and came closest to winning a medal with a fifth-place finish at the 1980 Games in Moscow.
Capes, who was born in Lincolnshire, was also a six-time champion at the World Highland Games. His victories in the prestigious World’s Strongest Man event, which made him a household name, came in 1983 in Christchurch, New Zealand and 1985 in Cascais, Portugal.