Recognized as a two-time World’s Strongest Man and record-breaking British shot-putter, Geoff Capes Through his varied career—from Olympic athlete to television personality—his net worth grew. With his British shot throw record remaining standing since 1980, Capes left behind a legacy in sports and strength, therefore highlighting his ongoing influence.
Geoff Capes Biography and Career Achievements
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Geoffrey Lewis Capes |
| Date of Birth | 23 August 1949 |
| Place of Birth | Holbeach, Lincolnshire, England |
| Date of Death | 23 October 2024 |
| Height | 197 cm (6 ft 5½ in) |
| Weight | 170 kg (375 lb) |
| Career Span | 1970–1989 (shot put and strongman competitions) |
| Key Achievements | Two-time World’s Strongest Man, Commonwealth Games Gold, British shot put record |
Power derived from modest beginnings
Seventh of nine, Geoff Capes grew raised in Holbeach, Lincolnshire. His upbringing was difficult; he worked early on to help his family. Renowned for his strength, he completed chores including 20 tons of potatoes in 20 minutes. His innate desire and power brought him to athletics, where he became member of Holbeach Athletic Club.
Records & Training: A Record Diet
The strict diet Capes adopted became as well-known as his power. His daily diet consisted in 2.7 kg of red meat, 12 eggs, plenty of cottage cheese, bread, butter, baked beans, about seven liters of milk. This diet kept him in perfect shape, which let him execute feats like bending steel and shredding phone books, so enhancing his legendary reputation.
Olympic Pursues and Shot Put
Athletics brought Capes to three Olympic Games: Moscow (1980), Montreal (1976), and Munich (1972). In shot throw, he achieved the British record of 21.68 meters in 1980—a mark still held today. Though he did not win an Olympic medal, he rose to become a well-known person in British sports having earned medals in other international events.
Then switch to Strongman Competitions.
After the 1980 Olympics, Capes concentrated on strongman contests. Having beaten rivals in pure strength testing, he had already emerged as Britain’s Strongest Man in 1979. Two World’s Strongest Man titles in 1983 and 1985 peaked his strongman career. Combining speed with sheer force, he established himself as a worldwide strongman legend.
TV Celebrity and Rivalries
Rivalry between Capes and Jón Páll Sigmarsson became legendary. Capes held his own against Sigmarsson’s raw might as they ferociously battled. Played on TV, this rivalry gave Capes even more notoriety. He was a much-loved person in the UK and internationally for his ability to bend steel and lift massive weights.
Champion in Highland Games
Apart from strongman contests, Capes was outstanding in the Highland Games, having won six World Heavy Events Championships. To confirm his legacy, he broke world marks in weight-over-bar and other competitions. His performance in these classic Scottish contests brought him recognition and the Gaelic moniker “Geoff Dubh Laidir,” which means “Black Strong Geoff.”
Television and Endorsement Contracts
The popularity of Capes offered avenues in advertising and television. He starred in ads, notably a Volkswagen one in which he memorably rolled a car over. He also had appearances on popular series Shooting Stars and kid-oriented shows. These appearances added to his sporting earnings increased his income and helped to define his public image.
Beyond sports: bird breeding and community work
Capes concentrated on his love of breeding budgerigars after leaving the field of athletics. 2008 saw him named president of the Budgerigar Society. This pastime revealed another aspect of Capes. Renowned for his strength, he also had a soft love for birds and often contributed to specialist magazines on budgerigar rearing.
Police Service and Effects on Communities
Capes worked for the Cambridgeshire Constabulary before fully pursuing sports. The 1980 Olympic boycott marked the end of his police career; he disobeyed by competing. Capes lost his pension, but he stayed involved in his community and subsequently became a Justice of the Peace, therefore adding even another chapter to his varied life.
A Sporting Legacy for Lasting Change
Athletes still have unequaled legacy from Capes. His British shot throw record is regarded favourably, as is his performance in strongman and Highland Games events. British sports and culture have been permanently changed by his varied contributions—in the ring, on TV, or in community service.
FAQs
What was Geoff Capes’ main achievement?
Geoff Capes was a two-time World’s Strongest Man and held the British shot put record since 1980.
Did Geoff Capes compete in the Olympics?
Yes, Capes represented Great Britain in shot put at three Olympic Games: Munich (1972), Montreal (1976), and Moscow (1980).
What was Geoff Capes’ daily diet like?
To maintain his strength, Capes consumed large quantities of red meat, eggs, cottage cheese, bread, and milk daily.
Did Geoff Capes have any other interests outside sports?
Yes, he was a dedicated budgerigar breeder and served as president of the Budgerigar Society in 2008.
How tall and heavy was Geoff Capes?
Geoff Capes stood 197 cm (6 ft 5½ in) tall and weighed 170 kg (375 lb) at his peak.
