British sporting legend dead as his family release statement

British sporting legend Geoff Capes has passed away, his family have said. The strongman was said to be Britain's finest shot-putter during his long career representing England and Great Britain.

He was twice Commonwealth champion, twice European indoor champion, and competed at three Olympic Games. As of October 2024, he still holds the British record for the shot put from 1980 when he hurled it 21.68 metres (71 ft 2 in).

As a strongman, he won World's Strongest Man twice, and World Muscle Power Classic twice, alongwith numerous other titles including Europe's Strongest Man and Britain's Strongest Man.

He also competed in the Highland Games where he was six times world champion, first winning the title in Lagos in 1981. Following his retirement from competitive sport he turn to becoming a referee, event promoter and coach. He was also known for breeding birds.

Announcing his death his family said in a statement: "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."

Fans took to social media to pay their own tributes. Laverne writing on X, formerly Twitter. said: "RIP Geoff Capes - What a Legend." JS added: "I always remember watching World's Strongest Man over Christmas and being amazed. I don't know how many joysticks got broken playing his 8-bit game, but more than one."

Rue said: "Another childhood hero gone. R.I.P. Geoff Capes He really was quite a man."