Born in 1949 in England, Geoff Capes grew from a tall and promising schoolboy into one of the most towering figures in British sports. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches, Geoff was a natural athlete, excelling early in high jump, sprinting, and basketball. Yet, it was the power sports that truly captured his heart, and in the shot put, he found his calling.
Geoff’s rise in athletics was meteoric. His dominance in the shot put saw him shatter British records and earn a place at the Olympics twice, competing first in Munich at just 21 and later achieving 6th place at the 1976 Montreal Games. Along the way, he claimed multiple championship titles, including European Indoor gold in 1974 and 1976, making his mark as one of the finest athletes of his time.
However, it wasn’t just on the amateur athletics field that Geoff would leave a lasting legacy. After a successful career as an Olympian, Geoff turned professional at a time when athletes had to choose between amateur status and earning a living from their talents. He found his way into the Scottish Highland Games circuit, where his imposing 170kg frame and immense strength made him a formidable competitor. Geoff dominated the Highland Games, setting world records in various events and entertaining huge crowds with his displays of raw power. His strength earned him respect, friendships, and admiration from fans across the globe.
One memorable moment that forever tied Geoff to British history was when he met Queen Elizabeth II after winning the Braemar Gathering. In true larger-than-life style, Geoff was rushed straight from the field, his hands still sticky with tacky from the caber toss, and found himself shaking the Queen’s hand—much to his surprise, her lace glove stuck to his. What could have been an awkward moment was saved by Geoff’s gentle humour and charm, qualities that endeared him to all who knew him. His later recognition with the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977 was a fitting tribute to his contributions both on and off the field.
Geoff’s legend grew even more when he entered the world of strongman competitions. In a time when there were only three television channels in the UK, Geoff’s feats of strength captivated the nation. Millions tuned in to watch him lift unimaginable weights, and his strength became the stuff of folklore. He began by winning the title of Britain’s Strongest Man, followed by European titles, before stepping onto the world stage. In 1980, Geoff competed in the World’s Strongest Man competition, facing legendary figures like Bill Kazmaier and Lars Hedlund, and placed third. But Geoff’s spirit was unbreakable, and he returned to claim the ultimate prize, winning the World’s Strongest Man title twice, first in 1983 and again in 1985.
His rivalry with Iceland’s Jon Pall Sigmarsson became iconic. After losing to Sigmarsson in 1984, when Jon Pall famously declared, “The king has lost his crown,” Geoff came back the next year with a resounding victory. His triumph in 1985 cemented his status as one of the greatest strongmen of all time, and his stature as a beloved national figure was sealed.
Today, we remember Geoff Capes not just for his incredible strength, but for the way he inspired awe and admiration. A true giant in every sense, Geoff embodied the spirit of determination, resilience, and good humour. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, both on the field and beyond, and in the memories of a nation that will never forget the man who was, quite literally, larger than life.
