'World's strongest man' winner and former Cambridgeshire cop Geoff Capes dies aged 75

Shot putter Geoff Capes has died aged 75
-Credit: (Image: PA/PA Wire)


Former Cambridgeshire police officer and strongman Geoff Capes has died aged 75. Capes was a British record-setting shot putter and two-time winner of the World's Strongest Man competition.

He was a double Commonwealth Games champion and represented Great Britain at the Olympics three times, in 1972, 1976, and 1980. He may be best known for success in the World's Strongest Man competition, taking the title in both 1983 and 1985.

The strongman's death was confirmed by British Athletics via a statement posted to their X account on Wednesday night. It read: "British Athletics are saddened to hear the news of former British shot putter, Geoff Capes' passing. Our condolences go out to his family and friends at this time."

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A statement from Capes' family 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."

Capes was born in 1949 in Holbeach, Lincolnshire, as the seventh of nine children. He was a member of Holbeach Athletic Club in his youth, where he was coached by Olympic hurdler Stuart Storey.

Capes pictured outside the Cambridgeshire Constabulary HQ
Capes pictured outside the Cambridgeshire Constabulary HQ -Credit:Cambridgeshire Constabulary

He represented the county in basketball, football and cross-country. He worked as a coalman and an agricultural labourer after school – an official biography on the Geoff Capes Foundation said he earned a reputation for "being able to load 20 tons of potatoes in 20 minutes".

He joined Cambridgeshire Constabulary in 1969 at the age of 19. Chief Constable Nick Dean said: "Geoff's stature and fitness, as well as his warm personal style, led him naturally to become the force's PT Instructor and many of the young police cadets of the 1970s remember him well with huge fondness.

"Only last week at our 50th anniversary celebrations, retired officers were talking about his time here in Cambridgeshire. Our condolences go to his family and friends."

Retired British strongman Eddie 'The Beast' Hall, who won the title in 2017, shared a photo of the pair on Instagram alongside the caption: "One of the true legends of strength – Geoff Capes has sadly passed away today. Not only was Geoff a two-time World's Strongest Man and a record-breaking shot putter, but he was also a giant in heart and spirit.

"He paved the way for athletes like me, showing that British grit and determination could conquer the world. Geoff was an inspiration to so many of us growing up, a man whose incredible achievements and character left a lasting mark on the strength community.

"His legacy will continue to inspire the next generation of strongmen and athletes around the world. Rest easy, big man. You’ll always be remembered as one of the greatest."