Geoff Capes, the British shot put record holder and two-time world's strongest man, has died at the age of 75.
Capes set the record for the longest shot put by a British man with a distance of 21.68m in 1980. It is yet to be beaten.
He also enjoyed success at the European indoor athletics championships the decade prior, claiming two golds, three silvers and a bronze.
In a statement, Capes' family said: "The family of Geoffrey Capes would like to announce his sad passing today, 23rd October.
"Britain's finest shot putter and twice world's strongest man."
He competed at three Olympics but never won a medal.
But the Lincolnshire-born athlete won Commonwealth shot put gold in 1974 and 1978 and was crowned World’s Strongest Man in 1983 and 1985.
Fellow World's Strongest Man winner Eddie Hall paid tribute to Capes.
"Not only was Geoff a two-time World's Strongest Man and a record-breaking shot putter, but he was also a giant in heart and spirit," said Hall.
"He paved the way for athletes like me, showing that British grit and determination could conquer the world.
"Geoff was an inspiration to so many of us growing up, a man whose incredible achievements and character left a lasting mark on the strength community.
"His legacy will continue to inspire the next generation of strongmen and athletes around the world.
"Rest easy, big man. You'll always be remembered as one of the greatest."
A British Athletics statement read: “British Athletics are saddened to hear the news of former British shot putter, Geoff Capes’ passing.
“Our condolences go out to his family and friends at this time.”
The former policeman also took home bronze at the 1987 World Strongman Challenge in Tokyo, 10 years after he claimed bronze at the European outdoor athletics championships.
He represented Great Britain at the 1972, 1976 and 1980 Summer Olympics, achieving his best result, a fifth-place finish, at his final Games in Moscow.
Carl Myerscough later threw further than Capes’ British record in June 2003, 21.92 metres, but his performance was not ratified.
A statement from Team GB read: “Team GB are deeply saddened to hear about Geoff Capes’ passing.
“A three-time Olympian and former World’s Strongest Man. Our sympathies go out to his family and friends at this time.”
