Geoff Capes is a legendary figure in the world of athletics, known for his outstanding achievements as a British shot putter and strongman competitor. Throughout his career, Capes won numerous titles, including two Commonwealth championships, two European indoor championships, and competed in three Olympic Games. As a strongman, Capes was twice crowned the World’s Strongest Man and also won titles such as Europe’s Strongest Man and Britain’s Strongest Man. He left a lasting legacy in the world of sports and continues to inspire athletes to this day.
Early Life and Athletic Beginnings
Geoff Capes, a gifted sportsman, was born in 1949 in Holbeach, Lincolnshire. Growing up as the seventh of nine children in a small town, Capes showed immense talent and potential in various sports. He became a member of the Holbeach Athletic Club, where he received coaching from Stuart Storey.
From a young age, Capes excelled in basketball, football, cross-country, and even sprinting. His athleticism and determination set him apart from his peers. Additionally, Capes had a deep connection with the natural world. He had a passion for caring for injured birds and animals, demonstrating his kindness and compassion.
After completing school, Capes worked as a coalman and agricultural laborer, contributing to his physical strength and endurance. In 1970, he joined the Cambridgeshire Constabulary, laying the foundation for his future athletic endeavors.
Capes’s early life and athletic beginnings played a crucial role in shaping his character and setting the stage for his remarkable career in sports.
Holbeach Athletic Club: Fostering Talent
The Holbeach Athletic Club played a pivotal role in nurturing Capes’s athletic abilities. Under the guidance of coach Stuart Storey, Capes was able to refine his skills and reach his full potential. The club provided a supportive environment where Capes could explore various sports and develop his natural talent.
Athletic Achievements
Geoff Capes had a remarkable athletic career, excelling in the discipline of shot put. Representing his country for 11 years, Capes competed in prestigious events such as the Commonwealth Games, European indoor championships, and three Olympic Games. His dedication and skill earned him multiple accolades throughout his career.
Commonwealth Games Success
Capes showcased his shot put prowess at the Commonwealth Games, winning gold medals in 1974 and 1978. With his powerful throws, he claimed victory and secured his place among the top shot put athletes in the world.
European Indoor Championships Triumph
In addition to his Commonwealth Games success, Capes also dominated the European indoor championships. He clinched two championship titles in 1974 and 1976, further solidifying his reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the shot put discipline.
Record-Breaking Achievements
Geoff Capes’s dedication and determination led to remarkable personal achievements. In 1980, he set a new British record with a colossal throw of 21.68 meters (71 feet 3.5 inches), a record which stood unbroken until 2003. This exceptional feat showcased Capes’s strength and technique, establishing him as one of the greatest shot put throwers in British history.
Throughout his career, Capes amassed an impressive collection of 67 international caps and secured 17 national titles. These achievements cemented his status as one of Britain’s most accomplished field athletes.
Conquering the Strongman World
After retiring from competitive athletics, Geoff Capes seamlessly transitioned into the world of strongman competitions, establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with. His incredible hand and arm strength became the talk of the town, as he showcased extraordinary feats that left audiences in awe.
One of Capes’s notable displays of strength was tearing London telephone directories in half, a feat that demonstrated his exceptional power. His ability to bend steel bars with seemingly little effort further highlighted his remarkable hand and arm strength.
Capes’s dominance in the strongman arena was undeniable. He claimed victory in prestigious events such as the World’s Strongest Man competition, earning the coveted title twice. Additionally, he emerged victorious in Europe’s Strongest Man and Britain’s Strongest Man, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile and formidable athlete.
| Strongman Competitions Won | Achievements |
|---|---|
| World’s Strongest Man | Twice |
| Europe’s Strongest Man | Multiple victories |
| Britain’s Strongest Man | Multiple victories |
Highland Games Success
Geoff Capes’s athletic prowess extended to the Highland Games, where he achieved remarkable success. He emerged as a dominant force in the world of Highland Games, showcasing his versatility as an athlete and leaving a lasting impact on the sport.
Capable of unleashing awe-inspiring power and precision in the shot put, Capes conquered the Highland Games with his extraordinary throwing abilities. In 1981, he made his mark by winning the World Heavy Events title in Lagos, setting the stage for his reign as a Highland Games world champion.
Following his victory in Lagos, Capes’s momentum continued to build as he clinched an impressive six consecutive world titles, solidifying his status as one of the most formidable athletes in the Highland Games arena. Throughout his reign, Capes set multiple world records in various disciplines, captivating audiences with his exceptional performances.
World Records Set by Geoff Capes in the Highland Games
| Discipline | World Record |
|---|---|
| Stone Put | 14.64 meters |
| Weight Over Bar | 6.25 meters |
| Caber Toss | 87.5 degrees |
Capes’s astounding achievements in the Highland Games solidified his legacy as a world-class athlete in multiple disciplines. His exceptional throwing abilities in the shot put, combined with his remarkable feats in the Highland Games, positioned him as an all-around force to be reckoned with.
Life After Retirement
Following his retirement from competitive sports, Geoff Capes continued to contribute to the world of athletics in various ways. Capes’s passion for the sport drove him to take on roles as a coach and mentor, passing on his wealth of knowledge and experience to the next generation of athletes. He dedicated his time to nurturing young talents in athletics and strength sports, helping them develop their skills and reach their full potential.
In addition to his coaching endeavors, Capes delved into a rather unexpected hobby – breeding budgerigars. His love for animals and nature extended beyond the realms of athletics, and he found joy in the art of bird-breeding. Capes’s dedication and expertise in this field led to him gaining recognition in the bird-breeding community.
In 2008, Capes further solidified his passion for breeding and nurturing birds by assuming the prestigious role of president of the British Budgerigar Society. This position allowed him to contribute to the growth and development of the budgerigar community and continue his involvement in the world of birds.
Related reading: Where Is Geoff Capes Now
| Geoff Capes’s Contributions | Athletics | Breeding Budgerigars |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Coach and Mentor | President of the British Budgerigar Society |
| Impact | Nurturing young talents and sharing his expertise Contributing to the growth of athletics |
Gaining recognition in the bird-breeding community Continuing involvement in the world of birds |
Coaching and Mentorship
Geoff Capes’s coaching and mentorship played a vital role in shaping the careers of aspiring athletes. He shared his extensive knowledge of athletics and strength sports, guiding athletes towards success in their respective disciplines. One notable mentee of Capes is Adrian Smith, who went on to compete in the World’s Strongest Man competition, following in the footsteps of his mentor.
Breeding Budgerigars and the British Budgerigar Society
Geoff Capes’s venture into breeding budgerigars showcased his commitment to nurturing and caring for living creatures. His expertise and passion in this field earned him recognition and respect within the bird-breeding community. Assuming the prestigious role of president of the British Budgerigar Society further demonstrated his dedication to the hobby and his desire to contribute to its growth and development.
Personal Life and Recognition
Geoff Capes, the legendary British athlete, currently resides in Stoke Rochford, near Grantham, where he enjoys spending quality time with his family. Capes is a proud father to his daughter Emma, who has followed in his athletic footsteps, excelling in shot put. Emma’s accomplishments include winning the English Schools’ championship and earning a bronze medal at the Youth Olympics.
In addition to his daughter’s achievements, Capes also takes pride in his son Lewis, who played American football for the London Monarchs. With a deep sense of joy, Capes embraces his role as a grandfather to four adoring grandchildren.
Geoff Capes’s remarkable contributions to the world of sports have not gone unnoticed. In recognition of his stellar career, he was awarded the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee medal. This honor serves as a testament to his outstanding achievements and the impact he has made in the realm of athletics.
Furthermore, Geoff Capes’s legacy is firmly established in the World’s Strongest Man Hall of Fame and the England Athletics Hall of Fame. These esteemed accolades underline his lasting impact on the world of strength sports and solidify his place among the legends of British athletics.
Achievements:
- Daughter Emma: English Schools’ shot put champion, Youth Olympics bronze medalist
- Son Lewis: Former American football player for the London Monarchs
- Four grandchildren
- Recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee medal
- Inducted into the World’s Strongest Man Hall of Fame
- Inducted into the England Athletics Hall of Fame
Personal Records
Geoff Capes is renowned for his exceptional strength, which is reflected in his personal records. He achieved impressive results in key strength exercises such as the bench press, squat, and deadlift. His dedication and commitment to pushing his physical limits are truly awe-inspiring.
Bench Press
In the bench press, Geoff Capes achieved an astounding record of lifting 300 kg (661 lb). This remarkable feat showcases his incredible upper body strength and power. It is a testament to his relentless training and unwavering determination.
Squat
When it comes to the squat, Capes demonstrated his extraordinary lower body strength by lifting an impressive 380 kg (836 lb). This challenging exercise tests the muscles of the lower body, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. Capes’s achievement in the squat stands as a testament to his physical prowess and unmatched strength.
Deadlift
Geoff Capes’s deadlift record is nothing short of extraordinary. He successfully lifted a staggering weight of 454.5 kg (1,000 lb) from a height of 18 inches. The deadlift is a true test of full-body strength, with a focus on the posterior chain muscles, including the hamstrings, glutes, and back. Capes’s unparalleled deadlift performance solidifies his status as one of the strongest athletes of his time.
| Exercise | Personal Record | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Bench Press | 300 kg (661 lb) | |
| Squat | 380 kg (836 lb) | |
| Deadlift | 454.5 kg (1,000 lb) | From a height of 18 inches |
Geoff Capes’s personal records in the bench press, squat, and deadlift are a testament to his extraordinary strength and unwavering determination. These accomplishments serve as an inspiration to athletes and strength enthusiasts worldwide, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of strength sports.
Conclusion
Geoff Capes’s legacy as a legendary British athlete is unmatched. His incredible achievements in shot put and strongman competitions, along with his dominance in the Highland Games, have solidified his place in the annals of sports history. Capes’s versatility as an athlete, combined with his immense strength and unwavering dedication, continues to inspire athletes around the world.
Geoff Capes will forever be remembered as an iconic figure in British athletics, leaving behind a lasting legacy for future generations. His extraordinary success in shot put, where he set British records and won multiple international titles, showcases his prowess and establishes him as one of the greatest shot putters of all time.
Furthermore, Capes’s accomplishments in the world of strongman competitions, including his two World’s Strongest Man titles, demonstrate his exceptional physical abilities and unwavering determination. His name has become synonymous with strength and power, inspiring aspiring strongmen and women to push their limits.
In addition, Capes’s dominance in the Highland Games, with his six consecutive world titles and record-breaking performances, further solidifies his status as a true legend in the field. His remarkable throwing abilities, particularly in the shot put, have set new standards for athletes participating in the Highland Games.
Geoff Capes will forever be remembered not only as a British athlete but as a trailblazer and source of inspiration for athletes across disciplines. His legacy lives on in the hearts of sports enthusiasts and continues to motivate individuals to pursue greatness in their respective fields.
FAQ
What sports did Geoff Capes excel in?
Geoff Capes excelled in shot put, discus throw, and strongman competitions.
How many times did Geoff Capes win the World’s Strongest Man title?
Geoff Capes won the World’s Strongest Man title twice.
What are some of Geoff Capes’ athletic achievements?
Geoff Capes won two Commonwealth championships, two European indoor championships, and competed in three Olympic Games.
What was Geoff Capes’ personal best throw in shot put?
Geoff Capes’ personal best throw in shot put was 21.68 meters (71 feet 3.5 inches).
What other strongman competitions did Geoff Capes win?
Geoff Capes also won titles such as Europe’s Strongest Man and Britain’s Strongest Man.
How many world titles did Geoff Capes win in the Highland Games?
Geoff Capes won six consecutive world titles in the Highland Games.
What is Geoff Capes’ current occupation?
Geoff Capes is currently a coach, mentor, and breeder of budgerigars. He is also the president of the British Budgerigar Society.
Where does Geoff Capes currently reside?
Geoff Capes currently resides in Stoke Rochford, near Grantham.
What are some of Geoff Capes’ personal records in strength sports?
Geoff Capes achieved a bench press of 300 kg (661 lb), a squat of 380 kg (836 lb), and a deadlift of 454.5 kg (1,000 lb) from a height of 18 inches.
How would you describe Geoff Capes’ legacy in sports?
Geoff Capes’ legacy is one of a British athlete who excelled in shot put, strongman competitions, and the Highland Games. His achievements continue to inspire athletes worldwide.