Geoff Capes - The man behind the titles
By Zuzanna Spiewak
Geoff Capes with his budgie (Picture: Tony Evans/Getty)
The most capped British athlete, and one of the most beloved: a look into the life of Britain’s most famous Strongman.
Born on the 20 August 1949, he was the seventh of nine children. Growing up in Holbeach, Lincolnshire, he joined the county’s athletics club and was coached by Stuart Storey, who similarly to Capes, was an athlete who became a sports commentator.
Capes was a gifted sportsman, and his career started in secondary school when he represented Lincolnshire in football, basketball and cross-country; a versatility that stuck with him throughout his life and career.
He worked as an agricultural labourer and coalman before joining the Cambridgeshire Constabulary, like his grandfather, uncle, and older brothers before him, where he stayed there for ten years until 1980.
During his time in the Constabulary was when Capes truly began to compete in sports and in 1970, the year he joined the force, he finished fourth in the Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh – his first major competition.
He participated in the 1972 Olympics and improved massively in the following games in 1976: going from not making it past the qualifying round to being sixth in the overall standings.
A strong character: Geoff Capes competes at Moscow Olympics, 1980 (Picture: Alamy)
On 8 May 1980, Capes set a Commonwealth and British record of 21.68 meters for the long-distance throw that still has not been beaten.
However, it is his career as a strongman that makes him so memorable. He won Britain’s Strongest Man in 1979 and won Europe’s Strongest Man in 1980, 1982 and 1984.
He was an inspiration and idol to athletes all over the world, retiring in 1988 with 67 international caps and 17 national titles.
Capes’ time in the spotlight did not end there. Since retiring he has appeared in commercials for Volkswagen and numerous television programmes such as Super Gran.
The British man became a household name, whether you knew him for being the face of Cadbury in 2007, or for his incredible strength and athleticism.
Capes as a child was compassionate and developed an interest in taking care of injured animals which led to him having a hobby in breeding budgies and even being elected President of the Budgerigar Society, a role he took seriously.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, he said: “I think the members voted for me because I believe in commitment, hard work and dedication. And I don't take any nonsense.”
Geoff Canes died at 75 on 24 October 2024. He left behind a legacy like no other, going from rural poverty to Olympian, to television icon and a record holder.