Holbeach legend Geoff Capes is honoured by his Lincolnshire Magistrates colleagues along with Olympian teammates along with BBC and Disney+ stars

Tributes continue to be made to legendary strongman Geoff Capes, who sadly died earlier this week.

The Holbeach-born Olympian’s ‘addictive’ sense of humour has been honoured by Kevin Moody, who sat alongside Geoff when they were magistrates in Lincolnshire.

Retired sports stars along with Radio 2 presenter Paddy McGuinness have also paid tribute to British shot put record holder.

Yesterday, South Holland District Council leader Nick Worth described Geoff as a ‘legend and a Holbeach man through and through’ while retired Lincolnshire Free Press and Spalding Guardian news editor, Ray Tucker, said he was ‘naughty but nice’.

Geoff, who attended Boston Road Junior School, George Farmer School and Holbeach Athletic Club, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 75.

The Highland Games champion is well-known for being a policeman in Cambridgeshire for ten years - before having to give it up in order to compete in the Moscow Olympics - but he was also a magistrate in Spalding.

Former colleague Mr Moody, who was chairman of the Lincolnshire Magistrates Bench at the time Geoff was sitting, has honoured his former colleague’s wisdom.

He said: “I have been saddened by the news of the passing of Geoff and extend my condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.

“Geoff was a former magistrate in the county who sat at the then Spalding Bench for a number of years.

“He was a well-liked colleague who was wise, professional and brought with him his own sense of humour which was addictive, he certainly was a character to be around.

“I thank him for his service to the magistracy in Lincolnshire in upholding the rule of law which is fundamental to having a safe society to live in.”

Retired athlete and former politician Seb Coe said Geoff brought the crowds back to athletics.

In a post on X (Twitter) he wrote: “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. I send my sincere condolences to Geoff's friends, family, former teammates and all that had the privilege to know him.”

Fellow Olmypian Tessa Sanderson also posted on X: “Geoff was a big asset to GB athletics and huge fun on the team. Sincere condolences to his family. A great person and a giant of an athlete RIP Geoff Capes.”

Boxer Frank Bruno posted on X about meeting Geoff.

His post states: “He kept asking me if I wanted to get into weight lifting, I declined. He wanted to arm wrestle with me but I introduced him to my pal Gary Mason who loved arm wrestling and left them to to it!”

One of the stars of Disney+ drama, Rivals, Rufus Jones has also paid tribute to Geoff.

He stated on Twitter: “Geoff Capes was a very specific 80s icon. Ever present on children’s tv, always using Roy Castle as a dumbbell or something. Professional strongman, Olympian. A very British superstar, in an age of Ready Brek and Luncheon Vouchers. Hammer down the doors of Valhalla, Geoff.”

Presenter Paddy McGuinness posted on his Instagram account: “If you are a child of the 70s and 80s, Geoff Capes will always be your go to strongman. I still name check him to this day when I or any of my mates lift anything remotely heavy.”

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