Capes could see no future being an beginner and, even though confident that he would even now have challenged for the shot place medal in 1984, a whole new occupation combining the globe Highland Video games With all the more and more well-liked and rewarding strongman circuit beckoned.
Geoff Capes was born on August 23, 1949, in Holbeach, Lincolnshire, England. He began his athletic vocation for a shot putter, exhibiting organic expertise from a young age that established the stage for a career marked by resilience and ability.
His entry into this domain was in excess of a mere modify of Activity; it had been a changeover into an era where his prowess may very well be tested versus several of the most herculean figures of his time.
The 6ft 5in legend turned his attentions from entertaining the country bending metal bars and tearing cellphone directories in half immediately after his athletics job ended following his exit on the 1980 Moscow Olympics, where he concluded fifth, to inspiring his son Lewis and daughter Emma to reach the shot themselves.
Tributes have begun flooding in from associates of the public to the Lincolnshire born and bred father of two and grandad of 4.
In true Rocky Balboa model, in the weights space Capes learnt ways to elevate when engaged on the Lincolnshire farming fens alongside his father and eight siblings, in advance of afterwards combining a police occupation along with his athletics and strongman triumphs.
“We are saddened to hear of the passing of 1 of the best toughness athletes of all time, Geoff Capes,” read through the official statement. “The British strongman legend gained Entire world’s check here Strongest Male titles in 1983 and 1985.
"I declined he needed to arm wrestle with me but I introduced him to my pal Gary Mason who beloved arm wrestling and remaining them to it!!"
His exercise session routine was as formidable as his diet. It had been geared towards producing explosive electricity and brute power, vital for his success across distinctive power disciplines.
1987 Pure Energy showcased Bill Kazmaier, Jón Páll Sigmarsson and Geoff Capes[19] and was held at Huntly Castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Capes entered In spite of owning been in healthcare facility the prior weekend with strained trapeziums. Solid performances in the very first handful of rounds belied his issue but he inevitably pulled out during the log-raise and finished The competition in 3rd position.
Transitioning into roles that allowed him to present back again towards the community, he harnessed his wealth of expertise and know-how to condition the impending skills in energy athletics.
"Geoff was an inspiration to so many of us rising up, a person whose incredible achievements and character remaining a lasting mark to the strength Local community. His legacy will keep on to inspire the following technology of strongmen and athletes around the globe.
Geoff Capes: ‘If 8 or nine attempted to fight me – I'd personally talk to For additional’ Special: British shot place file holder for that previous fifty one decades looks again on his amazing athletics profession, diet regime and feats of energy Conserve Remark speech bubble icon
Today Capes is glad of the corporation of two other excellent throws coaches, Mike Winch and John Hillier, each of whom he competed from decades in the past, adding “involving the three of us we hold creating some Superb athletes.”