World's Strongest Man Geoff Capes (75) and Southern Charm star Michael Kelcourse (71) pass away
- Replies 8
The athletics and strength sports community have lost one of its most iconic figures.
Geoff Capes, the British Olympic shot putter and two-time World's Strongest Man champion, has passed away at the age of 75.
His name is synonymous with raw power, determination, and an indomitable spirit that captured the hearts of fans worldwide.
Geoff Capes' journey in sports was nothing short of extraordinary. Representing Great Britain at three Olympic Games, Capes left an indelible mark on the field of athletics.
His record-breaking shot put throw of 21.68m in 1980 remains the official UK record to this day.
Although Carl Myerscough surpassed this distance in 2003, UK Athletics did not ratify it, leaving Capes' achievement untouched in the annals of British sports history.
The Capes family announced his passing with a statement encapsulating his monumental contributions: 'The family of Geoffrey Capes would like to announce his sad passing today.’
‘Britain's finest shot putter and twice World's Strongest Man.'
His prowess in the shot put ring was matched by his incredible performances at the Commonwealth Games, where he won gold twice, and at the European Indoor Championships, where he also claimed two gold medals.
However, it was his larger-than-life persona and victories in the World's Strongest Man competitions that turned Geoff Capes into a household name.
His triumphs in Christchurch in 1983 and Cascais in 1985 showcased his unparalleled strength and made him a legend in strongman competitions.
Tributes have poured in from across the strength and athletics communities. Eddie Hall, the 2017 World's Strongest Man winner, took to social media to honour Capes.
‘One of the true legends of strength—Geoff Capes has sadly passed away,’ Hall wrote.
‘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.’
‘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,’ Hall added.
‘Rest easy, big man. You’ll always be remembered as one of the greatest.’
British Athletics and World Athletics president Lord Coe have also expressed their condolences, saying, ‘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.’
World Athletics President Lord Coe added, ‘Geoff’s passing is a sad moment for so many of us in both British and global athletics.’
‘He was a huge figure in British athletics and brought the crowds back to our sport. Fiercely independent, competitive, but always protective of the teams that he captained with distinction.’
Standing at an imposing 197cm tall and weighing around 170kg, Capes was a figure that commanded attention both in and out of the competitive arena.
After retiring from competition, he continued to contribute to the sport as a renowned coach and even graced television screens on two reality TV shows.
In other news, the Southern Charm community is mourning the loss of one of its most cherished members, Michael Kelcourse, who passed away at 71.
Known affectionately as 'Michael the Butler,' he was a beloved figure both on and off the screen, serving with distinction as the butler for reality star Patricia Altschul.
Patricia Altschul, 83, took to social media to express her profound grief and pay homage to a man she considered much more than an employee.
In her touching tribute, she highlighted their deep bond and emphasised that Kelcourse was ‘family’ to her.
'It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Michael, who left us yesterday morning in Sarasota. More than just a devoted butler, he was a trusted friend, confidant, and member of our family for over 20 years,' Altschul wrote.
Kelcourse's charm and dedication had made him a 'fan favourite' on the reality show Southern Charm, where his interactions with the cast and his impeccable service won the hearts of viewers.
In her tribute, Altschul revealed that in his final days, Kelcourse was comforted by the overwhelming love and support he received from fans across the globe.
'Over the past two weeks, he was deeply touched by the incredible number of cards and well-wishes from fans. I've been told there were hundreds, and they brought him immense joy during his final days,' she shared.
‘I will be devoting this week to remembering Michael. I know he meant so much to so many of you, as he did to us. He will be greatly missed.’
The news of Kelcourse's passing was also confirmed on the CaringBridge website, which stated that he died on October 22 from 'complications related to a spinal cord injury and stroke’.
The site detailed that Kelcourse had been in hospice care since June, following a spinal stroke in 2021 and another stroke in October.
He also battled symptoms of Osteomyelitis before his death, an infection in a bone as defined by the Mayo Clinic.
The outpouring of condolences was immediate, with celebrities like Carson Kressley expressing their sorrow. 'Oh Pat, I'm so sorry to hear this news. What a wonderful man we were all so lucky to know!' Kressley commented.
You can watch Entertainment Tonight’s tribute to Kelcourse below:
Credit: Entertainment Tonight / Youtube
Rest in peace, Geoff Capes and Michael Kelcourse. Your legacy of kindness and service will not be forgotten.
Geoff Capes, the British Olympic shot putter and two-time World's Strongest Man champion, has passed away at the age of 75.
His name is synonymous with raw power, determination, and an indomitable spirit that captured the hearts of fans worldwide.
Geoff Capes' journey in sports was nothing short of extraordinary. Representing Great Britain at three Olympic Games, Capes left an indelible mark on the field of athletics.
His record-breaking shot put throw of 21.68m in 1980 remains the official UK record to this day.
Although Carl Myerscough surpassed this distance in 2003, UK Athletics did not ratify it, leaving Capes' achievement untouched in the annals of British sports history.
World’s Strongest Man Geoff Capes passed away at 75. Credit: Juggernaut Training Systems / YouTube
The Capes family announced his passing with a statement encapsulating his monumental contributions: 'The family of Geoffrey Capes would like to announce his sad passing today.’
‘Britain's finest shot putter and twice World's Strongest Man.'
His prowess in the shot put ring was matched by his incredible performances at the Commonwealth Games, where he won gold twice, and at the European Indoor Championships, where he also claimed two gold medals.
However, it was his larger-than-life persona and victories in the World's Strongest Man competitions that turned Geoff Capes into a household name.
His triumphs in Christchurch in 1983 and Cascais in 1985 showcased his unparalleled strength and made him a legend in strongman competitions.
Tributes have poured in from across the strength and athletics communities. Eddie Hall, the 2017 World's Strongest Man winner, took to social media to honour Capes.
‘One of the true legends of strength—Geoff Capes has sadly passed away,’ Hall wrote.
‘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.’
‘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,’ Hall added.
‘Rest easy, big man. You’ll always be remembered as one of the greatest.’
British Athletics and World Athletics president Lord Coe have also expressed their condolences, saying, ‘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.’
World Athletics President Lord Coe added, ‘Geoff’s passing is a sad moment for so many of us in both British and global athletics.’
‘He was a huge figure in British athletics and brought the crowds back to our sport. Fiercely independent, competitive, but always protective of the teams that he captained with distinction.’
Standing at an imposing 197cm tall and weighing around 170kg, Capes was a figure that commanded attention both in and out of the competitive arena.
After retiring from competition, he continued to contribute to the sport as a renowned coach and even graced television screens on two reality TV shows.
In other news, the Southern Charm community is mourning the loss of one of its most cherished members, Michael Kelcourse, who passed away at 71.
Known affectionately as 'Michael the Butler,' he was a beloved figure both on and off the screen, serving with distinction as the butler for reality star Patricia Altschul.
Patricia Altschul, 83, took to social media to express her profound grief and pay homage to a man she considered much more than an employee.
Southern Charm star Michael Kelcourse passed away at 71 years old. Credit: @pataltschul / Instagram
In her touching tribute, she highlighted their deep bond and emphasised that Kelcourse was ‘family’ to her.
'It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Michael, who left us yesterday morning in Sarasota. More than just a devoted butler, he was a trusted friend, confidant, and member of our family for over 20 years,' Altschul wrote.
Kelcourse's charm and dedication had made him a 'fan favourite' on the reality show Southern Charm, where his interactions with the cast and his impeccable service won the hearts of viewers.
In her tribute, Altschul revealed that in his final days, Kelcourse was comforted by the overwhelming love and support he received from fans across the globe.
'Over the past two weeks, he was deeply touched by the incredible number of cards and well-wishes from fans. I've been told there were hundreds, and they brought him immense joy during his final days,' she shared.
‘I will be devoting this week to remembering Michael. I know he meant so much to so many of you, as he did to us. He will be greatly missed.’
The news of Kelcourse's passing was also confirmed on the CaringBridge website, which stated that he died on October 22 from 'complications related to a spinal cord injury and stroke’.
The site detailed that Kelcourse had been in hospice care since June, following a spinal stroke in 2021 and another stroke in October.
He also battled symptoms of Osteomyelitis before his death, an infection in a bone as defined by the Mayo Clinic.
The outpouring of condolences was immediate, with celebrities like Carson Kressley expressing their sorrow. 'Oh Pat, I'm so sorry to hear this news. What a wonderful man we were all so lucky to know!' Kressley commented.
You can watch Entertainment Tonight’s tribute to Kelcourse below:
Credit: Entertainment Tonight / Youtube
.png){kind=icon}
