In brief
Capes was not only a two-time winner of the World’s Strongest Man title, but his gentler hobbies painted a portrait of a multifaceted individual.
Geoff Capes, the legendary English strongman who charmed the world with his monumental strength and unique hobby of parakeet breeding, has passed away at the age of 75. He died on October 23 at a hospital in Lincoln, England, as confirmed by his son, Lewis Capes, though details regarding the cause were not disclosed.At an imposing height of 6-foot-6 and weighing in at 365 pounds, Capes was a force of nature known for his remarkable feats in the world of strongman competitions. He famously consumed a staggering diet that included seven pints of milk, several loaves of bread, and various proteins designed to fuel his extraordinary performances. These performances included pulling 12-ton trucks uphill, flipping automobiles, and tearing phone books in half—skills that earned him the title of the World’s Strongest Man in both 1983 and 1985.Beyond his robust athletic prowess, Capes won the U.K. Truck-Pulling Championship in 1986 and was a six-time champion at the World Highland Games, which celebrates traditional Scottish sports, all while donning kilts and showcasing his strength by tossing heavy objects such as telegraph poles. Colin Bryce, a commentator for the World’s Strongest Man competitions, reminisced about Capes’ athleticism, emphasizing, “When you saw him sprint, you realized just what an absolutely terrifying athlete he was.” He was not just a figure of size but a remarkable athlete who redefined strength in competitions.Off the stage, Capes embraced a gentler passion in breeding parakeets, illustrating his softer side beyond the heavy lifting and strongman antics. The duality of his character—an intimidating competitor and a nurturing bird lover—has left an indelible mark on both the sports community and the hearts of those who admired him. Capes will be remembered not just for his monumental achievements in strength sports but also for his warm spirit and diverse interests.