Legacy in Motion: The Capes Family's Journey in Shot Put

Geoff Capes, a towering figure in athletics, left an indelible mark on the sport of shot put. At nearly 6 feet 6 inches, he not only competed in three Olympic Games but also claimed the title of the World's Strongest Man twice. Since 1980, he has held the British shot put record with a remarkable throw of 21.68 meters.

Following his passing at the age of 75 in October 2024, an outpouring of tributes came from across the sporting landscape. Now, his grandsons Donovan and Lawson, both dedicated shot putters, are determined to carry forward his legacy in athletics.

Though they may not have witnessed their grandfather’s legendary competitions firsthand, they inherit a rich family history that profoundly impacts their sporting journey. Donovan recalls:

"He came into my primary school and did an assembly of his achievements and his journey through sport; that gave me better insight."

At just 19 years old and previously an avid runner, Donovan transitioned to shot put after being diagnosed with asthma, a decision he credits to his grandfather's influence. With a few practice sessions in his backyard, he made a commendable debut in his first competition, finishing third.

The Burden and Pride of the Capes Name

As the grandsons of Geoff Capes, both Donovan and 16-year-old Lawson experience a unique blend of pressure and privilege at competitions. Donovan reflects on this:

"I’ve been to meets where people recognize the Capes name and anticipate big throws. Initially, it felt like pressure, but as I've matured, I view it as a part of my journey, continuing grandad's legacy instead of living in his shadow."

Lawson echoed this sentiment, revealing that he found his passion for throwing at the young age of eight. He has already made waves as the UK's top under-17 athlete in 2024, launching a 5kg shot put to an impressive 18.53 meters. His experiences have fueled his aspirations on the international stage:

"I was the youngest in our family to be selected for England and competed in Sweden, where I secured second place. It made me realize I could reach greater heights with more training."

American Influence and Aspirations

Donovan's pursuit of excellence has taken him across the Atlantic, where he currently studies in Colorado. He recognizes the stark differences between athletic environments in the UK and the competitive spirit found in American college sports:

"The atmosphere here is electric—everyone gets into it. The training is rigorous, mixing heavy lifting with specialized drills as the season approaches."

The Capes legacy of pushing boundaries is not limited to athletics alone; both brothers have played rugby, drawing inspiration from their family's extensive sporting background. Reflecting on their aspirations, Donovan says:

"My ultimate goal is to compete at the Diamond League level and, ideally, the Olympics—just like grandad."

Meanwhile, Lawson envisions breaking records in his category and setting his sights on the 2028 Olympic Games:

"It’s a long shot, but qualifying would be a dream, with aspirations to secure a top-eight finish in 2032."

The legacy of Geoff Capes also brings forth considerations of other athletic avenues, including strongman competitions and the Highland Games. As Donovan mentioned:

"While it looks like a lot of fun, it also requires a complete dedication. It’s something to think about, but my heart is in shot put."

In conclusion, the Capes family illustrates the power of legacy in sports. As Donovan and Lawson navigate their athletic paths, they honor their grandfather’s remarkable contributions to shot put and remain steadfast in their pursuit of greatness.