According to British Athletics, Geoff Capes, a three-time Olympian and twice the strongest man in the world, has passed away at the age of 75.
The athlete, who was born in Lincolnshire, was crowned World’s Strongest Man in 1983 and 1985 and won gold in the Commonwealth shot put competition in 1974 and 1978.
In addition to winning two golds, three silvers, and a bronze at the European indoor athletics championships the previous decade, he set the British record with a throw of 21.68 meters in 1980, which is still the best ever ratified.
“British Athletics is saddened to hear the news of former British shot putter, Geoff Capes’ passing,” a statement from British Athletics said.
“At this time, our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”
“The family of Geoffrey Capes would like to announce his sad passing today, 23rd October,” read a statement from Capes’ family. The best shot-putter in Britain and the two-time strongest man in the world.
Ten years after winning bronze at the European outdoor athletics championships, the former police officer also won bronze at the 1987 World Strongman Challenge in Tokyo.
He competed for Great Britain in the Summer Olympics in 1972, 1976, and 1980. At his final Games in Moscow, he finished in fifth place, which was his best performance to date.
Later, in June 2003, Carl Myerscough threw 21.92 meters, which was more than Capes’ British record, but his performance was not accepted.
