Geoff Capes, a legendary strongman and former Olympic athlete, left behind not just an impressive sports legacy but also a heartfelt final request.
Before passing away at the age of 75 in October last year, Capes ensured that his gravestone would bear the inscription: “Local Boy Done Good.”
This simple yet powerful phrase encapsulates his journey from a small-town lad in Lincolnshire to a world-renowned athlete.
Record-Breaking Career in Athletics
Standing at 6ft 5.5ins and weighing 26 stone at his peak, Capes was a dominant force in the world of athletics.
His shot put record of 21.68m, set in 1980, still stands as the longest throw by a British athlete.
He secured two Commonwealth Games gold medals and topped the podium at the European Indoor Championships.
Despite competing in three Olympic Games, his closest shot at a medal came in Moscow 1980, where he finished in fifth place.
Beyond traditional athletics, Capes also dominated the World Highland Games, winning the title six times, cementing himself as the most successful competitor in the event’s history.
However, it was his victories in the World’s Strongest Man competition—in 1983 (New Zealand) and 1985 (Portugal)—that made him a household name.
A Man of Strength and Compassion
Despite his tough exterior, Capes had a softer side.
He was an avid breeder of budgerigars and was recognized as one of the world’s finest experts on the birds.
His passion even led him to serve as president of the Budgerigar Society in 2008.
Estate and Final Wishes
Probate records reveal that Capes left behind an estate worth £244,462, which was reduced to a net total of £239,240.
The majority of his assets went to his second wife, Kashmiro Davi Capes-Bhatti, who survives him.
His will also outlined specific wishes for his medals and trophies, allowing his granddaughter to choose one item, while the remaining pieces were shared between his two grandsons.
His daughter, Emma Boelemar, received a Lalique vase, and his son, Lewis Capes, inherited his grandfather clock.
From Policeman to Athlete
Before rising to fame, Capes spent a decade as a policeman in Cambridgeshire, earning just £9.50 a week at the start of his service.
However, his law enforcement career was cut short before the 1980 Olympics, when political pressure following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan forced athletes from certain professions to boycott the Games.
This government decision led by Margaret Thatcher meant Capes had to resign from the police force, losing his pension and stable income.
He later recalled the painful decision, saying: “I lost my career, lost my pension, lost my income. They had total control over you.”
An Unbelievable Diet and Training Regimen
To maintain his elite-level strength, Capes followed an astonishing daily diet, consuming:
- 6 pounds of red meat
- 12 eggs
- 2 loaves of bread
- 2 tins of pilchards
- 1 pound of butter
- 6 pints of milk
Despite this extreme intake, he burned through up to 13,000 calories a day due to his intense training, which involved lifting a staggering 120 tons per week.
Even at his size, he could run 100 meters in just 11.2 seconds.
Life After Competition
Following retirement, Capes dedicated his time to coaching young athletes, sharing his expertise to shape the next generation.
He also became a familiar face on television, participating in two reality shows.
Tributes from the Sporting World
Capes’ passing was met with heartfelt tributes from the athletics community.
British Athletics expressed their sorrow, while Olympic javelin champion Tessa Sanderson described him as a “great person and a giant of an athlete.”
Reigning British shot put champion Scott Lincoln credited Capes with putting the sport “on the map in the UK” and honored him as an “icon, hero, legend, role model, and friend.”
Lord Sebastian Coe, president of World Athletics, called Capes’ passing “a sad moment for British and global athletics,” remembering him as a “fiercely independent and competitive athlete who always protected the teams he captained.”
A Legacy That Lives On
Geoff Capes’ impact stretched far beyond his incredible strength.
He was a role model, a fighter against adversity, and a man who stayed true to his passions.
His inscription, “Local Boy Done Good,” serves as a fitting tribute to a life of remarkable achievements and unwavering determination.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn