Capes transitioned to strongman contests in 1980, and the shift marked the start of his legendary standing in toughness sports. He debuted on the planet’s Strongest Gentleman competition that yr, earning a bronze medal in his initially outing and next it up with a silver in 1981.
The turning point for Capes being an athlete was when he met the Intercontinental dash hurdler Stuart Storey. A self-confessed “tearaway”, Capes knuckled down under Storey’s coaching and commenced environment age information from 16 onwards. They remained lifelong good friends, also, with Storey Regrettably breaking the news of Capes’ death to AW
The person when voted Britain’s most effective ever subject athlete is currently based in Stoke Rochford, in the vicinity of Grantham, where he life with his companion, Kashi, and scores of prize budgerigars.
This perseverance paid off when, even though continue to serving inside the law enforcement drive, he made his to start with considerable win in the 1974 Commonwealth Game titles. Therefore, Capes’s story is not merely of the strongman but additionally of a humble and driven individual who shaped his situations to feed his bigger ambitions.
"On behalf of all at England Athletics, we want to share our deepest condolences with all of Geoff's loved ones, buddies and supporters, of which there were quite a few around the globe. His impact on not just the throwing earth but the wider monitor and industry relatives was astounding, and his existence is going to be greatly missed.
Every victory solidified his standing, contributing to a legacy of unrivaled dominance and fascinating regularity.
Tire flips, sled drags, and farmer’s walks were being staples, boosting his ability to use his energy in dynamic check here and diverse approaches.
Geoff was popular from the regional spot As well as in 2019 was the visitor of honour at a neighborhood health club, the Rhinos in Stamford, in which he was photographed on a mobility scooter laughing
“There have been a great number of tales,” claims Capes. “I'd my time. I liked my lifetime and I went worldwide. How Many individuals can mention that?”
His triumph in 1985 cemented his standing as one of the greatest strongmen of all time, and his stature like a beloved nationwide figure was sealed.
Far more a short while ago together with his son, Lewis, he has nurtured his grandsons as superb throwers. Lawson is presently ranked first in britain and twelfth all time to the U17 Gentlemen's shot put and Donovan has had fantastic success with a nationwide degree and now competes within the US for Adams Point out.
As Personal computer 222 he was effectively-referred to as Peterborough’s to start with line of defence. “The police used my strength incredibly constructively,” he mentioned. “After i was on duty there have been by no means any fights on Friday evenings. If things turned unattractive, they’d always say ‘Send out for Capesy’.”
He realized worldwide fame as an athlete and 2 times crowned entire world's strongest guy, but today neighbours in his Lincolnshire village paid out tribute towards the Geoff Capes they realized - 'an excellent character with a substantial heart'.
A enthusiasm for breeding the smaller birds has viewed him crowned the Modern society’s president, in addition to winning the entire world displaying title, for the duration of his thirty 12 months-very long fascination While using the creatures.