Geoff Capes, two-time world’s strongest man and three-time Olympian, has died aged 75, British Athletics announced.
The Lincolnshire-born athlete won Commonwealth shot put gold in 1974 and 1978 and was crowned the world’s strongest man in 1983 and 1985.
He set the British record with a throw of 21.68m in 1980, which remains the best ever recorded, and also enjoyed success at the European Athletics Indoor Championships the previous decade, winning two gold medals , three silver and one bronze.
A statement from British Athletics said: “British Athletics is saddened to hear the news of the death of former Great Britain shot putter Geoff Capes.
“Our condolences go out to his family and friends at this time.”
A statement from Capes’ family said: “The family of Geoffrey Capes would like to announce his sad passing today, October 23.
“Britain’s best shot putter and twice the world’s strongest man.”
The former police officer also won bronze at the 1987 World Strongman Challenge in Tokyo, 10 years after winning bronze at the European Outdoor Athletics Championships.
British Athletics is saddened to hear the news of the death of former Great Britain shot putter Geoff Capes.
Our condolences go out to his family and friends at this time. pic.twitter.com/IvgWq4X4bA
– British Athletics (@BritAthletics) October 23, 2024
He represented Great Britain at the 1972, 1976 and 1980 Summer Olympics, achieving his best result, a fifth place, at his final Games in Moscow.
Carl Myerscough then threw further than Capes’ June 2003 British record, 21.92 metres, but his performance was not ratified.
A statement from Team GB read: “Team GB is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Geoff Capes.
“Three-time Olympian and former World’s Strongest Man. Our sympathies go out to his family and friends at this time.
World Athletics chairman Lord Coe said on X: “Geoff’s passing is a sad moment for many of us in British and world athletics.
“He was a major figure in British athletics and brought crowds back to our sport. Fiercely independent, competitive, but always protective of the teams he led with distinction.
“I send my sincere condolences to Geoff’s friends, family, former teammates and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.”