Geoff Capes dead at 75: Legendary strongman and Britain’s finest shot putter passes away

GEOFF CAPES has sadly passed away at the age of 75.

The legendary strongman was considered Britain's finest shot-putter during his career.

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Capes from Holbeach in Lincolnshire was adored by millions and became a household name in the Eighties and Nineties.

The 6ft 6' star was also named the world's strongest man on two different occasions.

His first victory came in the World's Strongest Man event in 1983 in Christchurch, and the second was two years later in Cascais.

A family statement 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."

During his shot-putt career, he won gold medals in the European Indoor Championships and the Commonwealth Games.

Fans of Capes have flooded social media to pay tribute to the legend.

One posted: "RIP legendary strongman Geoff Capes.

A second wrote: "Another sporting hero from our youth leaves us. RIP Geoff Capes."

A third commented: "Sad to hear of the death of Geoff Capes. He was a big part of my TV childhood. Thoughts are with his family and friends."

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A fourth said: "So sad to hear the news that Geoff Capes passed away."

He was also a three-time Olympian as he competed at the 1972 Munich games 1976 Montreal Olympics and the 1980 games in Moscow.

In his debut games, he finished in 20th place.

He was one of the favourites for gold at both of his latter tournaments but finished sixth and fifth.

Capes also competed in the Highland Games in Scotland and won the World Heavy Events title in Lagos in 1981.

After retiring, he went on to coach stars in both athletics and strength athletics.

He helped Adrian Smith take fifth spot in the World's Strongest Man in 1990.

During the eighties, he was a regular on TV screens in the country as he appeared on entertainment shows such as Little and Large and the Kenny Everett Television Show.

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