Two-time World’s Strongest Man, Geoff Capes, died on Oct. 23, 2024. He was 75 years old. No cause of death was announced at the time of this article’s publication, but his passing was confirmed by The World’s Strongest Man promoters, who paid tribute to the British strength icon in a post on Instagram, which can be seen below:
“We are saddened to hear of the passing of one of the greatest strength athletes of all time, Geoff Capes,” the caption of the post read. “The British strongman legend won World’s Strongest Man titles in 1983 and 1985. Capes also competed in three Olympic Games from 1972 to 1980, setting the national shot put record, which has stood for 44 years. Our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in Strength.”
Geoff Capes
Capes was born on Aug. 23, 1949, in Holbeach, Lincolnshire, England. He first gained notoriety as a shot putter. He represented England in various competitions, culminating with gold at the Commonwealth Games in 1974 and 1978.
Capes’ longest throw was 21.68 meters in 1980, a British record at the time. He went on to represent England that year in the Olympics, placing fifth behind winner Vladimir Kiselyov of the Soviet Union.
1980 was also the year Capes began his quest for the World’s Strongest Man title. He scored bronze in his debut and silver in 1981 — Bill Kazmaier won both contests.
After ranking fourth in the 1982 World’s Strongest Man contest, Capes won the title for the first time in 1983. He was unsuccessful in his title defense in 1984, finishing third, but recaptured the title, his final championship, in 1985.
Capes’ final appearance on the World’s Strongest Man stage was 1986, when he claimed silver. Capes was a three-time Europe’s Strongest Man champion and won in the 1987 World Strongman Challenge in Tokyo, Japan.
Capes was successful in the Highland Games — he won six World Highland Games titles throughout the 1980s. His last championship came in 1987.
In addition to his strength pursuits, Capes worked as a police officer and a member of the Air Training Corps. In 1977, he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal for services to the community. After retiring from competition, Capes worked as a promoter and coach in strength sports.
Capes is survived by a son, daughter, and four grandchildren.
Featured Image: @athletics.weekly on Instagram
