The longer term strongman’s Preliminary foray into the world of sporting activities wasn’t by means of lifting stones or tossing logs, but alternatively, it commences inside the self-discipline of observe and subject.
What might have been an ungainly minute was saved by Geoff’s gentle humour and charm, features that endeared him to all who understood him. His later recognition Using the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977 was a fitting tribute to his contributions both of those on and off the sector.
Capes, who died this week aged 75, also received two European indoor shot put titles and two Commonwealth Game titles gold medals for the duration of a stellar throws career. Furthermore, he competed in 3 Olympic Games.
His double victory more than Foster is maybe much less stunning taking into consideration his power to run one hundred metres with a 400lb fridge on his back again in his Strongman days!
He was an embodiment of willpower, being centered on his eyesight and dealing diligently towards it, even although Assembly demanding community tasks.
The united kingdom report-holder concerning 1980 and 2003 might direct a far more all the way down to earth life now consisting of coaching 20 hrs every week over five periods from the throws cage as well as the gymnasium, together with his ‘demanding breeding and training regimen’ for your budgerigars, but he hasn’t forgotten a few of the lighter highlights of his athletics profession put in travelling the world.
For many men and women, the identify Geoff Capes will often conjure up the graphic of an Practically superhuman determine, putting a shot to ever bigger distances on the worldwide stage in advance of transforming himself into a multi-award click here profitable professional Planet’s Strongest Person.
"On behalf of all at England Athletics, we want to share our deepest condolences with all of Geoff's spouse and children, pals and supporters, of which there have been quite a few globally. His effect on don't just the throwing planet but the wider keep track of and area relatives was astounding, and his presence might be significantly missed.
Capes, the oldest with the a few, was near strongman retirement at this stage and the next yr, on the 1988 Globe Muscle Energy Classic he finished next, and it proved for being his past major outing as a strongman.[19]
He discovered his aptitude for shot put, a specialized sport that calls for not simply sheer toughness but will also perfected system.
“Last but not least, I'll always don't forget remaining offered While using the best athlete award by the Queen at one of several Highland Game titles I won in Braemar, and my hand wholly sticking to hers for some cause!”
A bona fide athletics icon, he would usually begin competitions with his tracksuit on and after that choose it off from the fourth or fifth round when “he intended organization”.
His coaching and mentoring of up-and-coming athletes carry on to inspire new generations of athletes to pursue their own desires of athletic excellence.
Adhering to his faculty times, he trod a unique route to athletic success that started with guide get the job done. The Bodily calls for of his early get the job done to be a coalman were a prelude towards the power-targeted routines that could headline in his upcoming.