UK Athletics are sad to hear of the passing of Geoff Capes, which was announced by his family yesterday (23 October 2024)

A two-time winner of the strongest man in the world title in 1983 and 1985, as a shot putter he won European Indoor gold twice Gothenburg, 1974, and Munich, 1976, as well as two Commonwealth Games titles in Christchurch, 1974, and Edmonton, 1978. A three-time Olympian his best finish was fifth place in Moscow 1980.

A former British and Commonwealth record holder, his 21.68m has only been surpassed by one British male athlete since – Carl Myerscough in 2003.

Born in Holbeach, Lincolnshire, in 1949, he still resided in the Spalding area and in recent years coached and advised  athletes.

Our thoughts go out to Geoff’s family and friends at this sad time.