Geoff Capes was a man who lived larger than life. Known worldwide for his incredible feats of strength, Capes was a two-time winner of the World’s Strongest Man competition and a legendary figure in British athletics. However, behind the powerful physique and the accolades, Capes battled with significant health problems in the latter years of his life. These health struggles became part of the final chapter of a remarkable life, ultimately leading to his passing at the age of 75. This article delves into the health issues Geoff Capes faced, the possible causes behind them, and the legacy he leaves behind.
Geoff Capes: The Athlete and Strongman
Geoff Capes, born in 1949 in the small village of Stoke Rochford near Grantham, achieved global fame in the 1970s and 1980s. Standing at an imposing 6ft 5in and weighing 27-stone during his prime, Capes was not only one of the most formidable athletes in the world but also a national icon. As a shot-putter, he represented Great Britain in the Olympics and earned numerous national and international championships.
While he achieved great success in athletics, it was his transition to the strongman arena that truly captured the public’s imagination. As a two-time winner of the World’s Strongest Man competition, Capes became synonymous with physical power, strength, and endurance. His ability to lift enormous weights and participate in grueling competitions made him a beloved figure in the sporting community.
Despite his success, Capes struggled with health issues throughout his life, particularly in the later years, as his body dealt with the toll of years of intense physical exertion.
The Struggles Begin: Health Problems in Later Life
Capes’ health problems were well-known in his local village of Stoke Rochford, where he lived in a charming £600,000 house near the parish Church of St Andrew and St Mary. In the years leading up to his death, Capes was rarely seen outside his home. He had become largely housebound, relying on a team of carers who visited him regularly. Neighbours mentioned that they hadn’t seen him around much in the past year and were aware that he was struggling with his health.
One of the key issues that plagued Capes in his later years was his leg problems. Though reports varied on the exact nature of these issues, it was clear that his legs caused him significant discomfort. He was not confined to a wheelchair or bed, but his mobility was clearly compromised. Capes, once known for his immense physical strength, had to come to terms with the limitations of his aging body.
While the exact cause of his death was not immediately clear, there was widespread speculation among his neighbours. Some believed that he might have died due to a heart attack or organ failure, but as of the time of writing, no official cause had been confirmed by his family.
The Impact of His Diet and Lifestyle Choices
Capes’ health issues may have been influenced by his dietary habits and lifestyle during his prime as a strongman. At his peak, Geoff was consuming an astounding 13,000 calories a day, a figure that is far beyond what is typically recommended for a normal adult. This diet consisted largely of high-calorie foods such as meats, pilchards, and milk. He was sponsored by a butcher and even had his food delivered in bulk, which included seven pints of milk a day.
The high caloric intake, although essential for a man competing in strongman competitions, likely contributed to his health issues in later years. Medical experts have warned that maintaining such a high BMI (Body Mass Index) can be detrimental to health in the long run. A high BMI, particularly over 40, is associated with a number of health risks, including heart disease, diabetes, and a shorter life expectancy. In Geoff’s case, his BMI later in life likely contributed to some of the health problems he faced, particularly his heart and leg issues.
Dr. Naveed Sattar, a medical expert in metabolic medicine at the University of Glasgow, pointed out that men with a BMI over 30 tend to lose around 6-7 years of life expectancy when compared to men with a BMI under 25. This observation may provide some insight into the health challenges Geoff Capes faced in his later years.
The Psychological Toll: Coping with Physical Decline
For someone like Geoff Capes, who was once at the pinnacle of physical strength and athleticism, the decline in his health must have been difficult to accept. Capes was known not just for his strength but also for his kindness and generosity. In the years leading up to his death, he became a familiar face in his village, though his mobility was significantly reduced. He was a man with a huge heart, often going out of his way to help others, even in his later years when he was struggling with his own health.
One heartwarming story shared by a local resident, Lee, recounted how Capes helped him during a stressful situation involving his injured puppy. Despite being incapacitated, Geoff Capes offered to pay the vet’s bill, showing a kindness that his neighbours would remember. This story serves as a testament to the man Geoff Capes was—strong not just in body, but also in spirit.
However, the toll of years of rigorous physical activity, combined with the mental and emotional stress of dealing with health issues, may have added to his struggles. Capes, who had once dominated as the world’s strongest man, had to reconcile with the limitations of his body in later life. The psychological effects of this decline, especially for someone who had once been considered nearly invincible, cannot be underestimated.
The Legacy: A Sporting Icon and a Man of Character
Despite the health challenges Geoff Capes faced later in life, his legacy as one of the greatest athletes of his time remains unshaken. He may not have won an Olympic medal, but his achievements in the world of strongman competitions and shot put are legendary. His national record in shot put, which he set in 1980, still stands to this day, and his victories in the World’s Strongest Man competitions cemented his place in the annals of strength sports history.
Capes’ legacy extends beyond his athletic prowess. He was a beloved figure in his local community, known for his generosity, kindness, and larger-than-life personality. His involvement in charity events and his willingness to help others, even when he himself was suffering, earned him the admiration of those who knew him.
Even in his later years, when health problems reduced his mobility, Capes remained an inspirational figure for many. His story is one of strength, perseverance, and the enduring impact of a man who achieved greatness and touched the lives of those around him.
Conclusion: A Life Well Lived, A Legacy Endures
Geoff Capes’ health struggles in later life serve as a reminder of the toll that a career of intense physical exertion can take on the body. While his 13,000-calorie diet and extreme lifestyle choices may have contributed to some of the health problems he faced, his legacy as a strongman and shot-putter remains undeniable. Capes achieved things that many could only dream of, and despite the challenges he faced later in life, he remained a beloved figure in his community and among sports fans worldwide.
Capes’ passing in October 2023 marks the end of an era, but his legacy will live on. He will be remembered not only for his extraordinary physical strength but also for the kindness and generosity he showed throughout his life. Geoff Capes, the two-time World’s Strongest Man, may have faced significant health challenges, but he leaves behind a legacy of strength, both physical and personal, that will continue to inspire for generations to come.
