Skip to main content
Neutral Echo
England

Geoff Capes: World’s Strongest Man and Avian Enthusiast Passes Away at 75

Capes' remarkable life merged incredible strength with a nurturing passion for bird breeding.

By Michael S. RosenwaldSource: nytimes.com1 min read
Geoff Capes: World’s Strongest Man and Avian Enthusiast Passes Away at 75
Image via nytimes.com

In brief

Geoff Capes, a two-time World’s Strongest Man and revered bird breeder, has passed away in Lincoln, England at the age of 75, leaving behind a legacy marked by extraordinary athletic achievements and a surprising gentleness.

Geoff Capes, known for his extraordinary strength and competitive spirit, has died at the age of 75. Passing away on October 23 in a Lincoln hospital, his family cited no specific cause of death. Capes, a towering figure at 6’6” and weighing 365 pounds, gained fame by winning the World’s Strongest Man title twice, in 1983 and 1985, and showcasing feats of incredible strength, such as pulling 12-ton trucks and tearing phone books in half.Capes’ daily diet was as impressive as his physical feats, comprising of massive quantities of food that fueled his athletic achievements. Known for his speed as well, he could sprint 200 meters in under 25 seconds, surprising many with his agility and athleticism. In addition to his strongman accomplishments, Capes was a dedicated bird breeder. His passion for breeding parakeets offered a gentler counterpart to his formidable image as a strongman. This juxtaposition of strength and nurturing spirit paints a fuller picture of a man many saw as an athlete and gentle giant.Capes also held the title of U.K. Truck-Pulling Champion in 1986 and was a six-time champion of the World Highland Games. His legacy is one of strength, perseverance, and the surprising contrasts that characterized both his competitive and personal life, leaving many to remember him fondly for his unique contributions to the worlds of sports and animal husbandry.

Topics

More on this story