Geoff Capes, who has died aged 75, was among Britain’s most prolific and profitable subject athletes, and he made use of his huge Actual physical ability to good influence in the next wind of his occupation when he became the “Earth’s Strongest Gentleman”.

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He obtained international fame as an athlete and twice crowned entire world's strongest guy, but nowadays neighbours in his Lincolnshire village paid tribute to your Geoff Capes they realized - 'a wonderful character which has a big coronary heart'.

What could have been a clumsy second was saved by Geoff’s gentle humour and allure, qualities that endeared him to all who knew him. His later recognition While using the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977 was a fitting tribute to his contributions each on and off the sphere.

His energy and ability were being not simply celebrated around the world or within the confines of a stadium, but In addition they discovered deep resonance With all the traditions of your age-previous Highland Games in Scotland.

His dominance in the world of strongman was not merely a testomony to his Actual physical abilities and also to his strategic mentality and demanding instruction routine, producing him a legendary figure whose legacy proceeds to encourage athletes around the world.

One particular memorable second that eternally tied Geoff to British record was when he achieved Queen Elizabeth II right after successful the Braemar Collecting. In real larger sized-than-everyday living design, Geoff was rushed straight from the field, his palms even now sticky with tacky from the caber toss, and found himself shaking the Queen’s hand—Considerably to his surprise, her lace glove stuck to his.

But Geoff swore: “I’ll be back.” The following calendar year he took the title and roared: “The King has not shed his crown!”

He produced his name as being the region's finest ever shot putter as well as the countrywide report he established back again in 1980 continue to stands today.

A lot more recently along with his son, Lewis, he has nurtured his grandsons as superb throwers. Lawson is currently rated click here very first in britain and twelfth all time for the U17 Gentlemen's shot set and Donovan has had terrific good results with a countrywide level and now competes while in the US for Adams Point out.

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Every victory solidified his standing, contributing into a legacy of unequalled dominance and attractive regularity.

Away from the rigours of exhibits of energy, Capes’s key desire was breeding budgerigars. He turned linked to the hobby soon after staying despatched to arrest a person in Peterborough in 1970.