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Peterborough Olympians: Geoff Capes
Geoff Capes: Athletics (shot putt), Munich 1972, Montreal 1976, Moscow 1980
Geoff Capes: Athletics (shot putt), Munich 1972, Montreal 1976, Moscow 1980The shot-putting Peterborough policeman was a triple Olympian, but a medal always eluded someone who would often start out as the competition favourite.
Capes recalled: "It was a marvellous experience. Being picked for the Olympic team is the biggest honour an athlete can be given – it brings a lump to your throat.
"In 1976 I was the best sh
ot-putter in the world on my day which was 364 days of the year, but my day never happened to coincide with the day of the Olympic Final.
"I finished fifth or sixth in Montreal and it doesn't bother me which because I was only interested in first. I gave my best, but the disappointment hit me hard so I disappeared to a log cabin in the mountains until I came to my senses.
"The pressures from outside can destroy you."
Capes failed to qualify for the final in Munch, finished sixth in Montreal and then fifth in Moscow before retiring at the age 31 when still comfortably the best shot-putter in the country.
He went on to become the world's strongest man . . . and a champion budgerigar breeder!
Meet more Olympians: Chief Sports Writer Alan Swann has traced sportsmen and sportswomen who attended the Olympics while living in the Peterborough area.
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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