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    ‘He’d beat me until I was sick’ – Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s troubling first day in court facing his father

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    JAKOB INGEBRIGTSEN accused his father of sickening emotional and physical abuse during a harrowing first day in court.The two-time Olympic gold medallist, 24, claims that his father and former coach, Gjert, “controlled” him and his siblings.Jakob Ingrebrigtsen sits alongside his lawyer on day one of the trialCredit: AFPIngrebrigtsen, 24, has made a series of allegations against his fatherCredit: AlamyIngebrigtsen alleges that his father assaulted him several times during his childhood, and that the emotional toll of the abuse has affected him in his adult life.The middle and long-distance runner referred to his father “as the defendant” during day one of the trial – claiming his actions were “not worthy” of being called a father.Gjert, 59, denies the allegations.Recalling getting in trouble at school aged “seven or eight”, Ingebrigtsen told the courtroom in Sandnes, Norway: “I’m just standing in the kitchen and looking down at the ground.READ MORE IN SPORT”The defendant is standing over me and screaming at me. He hits me several times on the top of the head.”I try to protect myself from violence, before he takes my hands and puts them down on my side… to continue hitting me in the head.”I remember freezing and wanting it to be over. I was just paralysed.”On another alleged incident at a hotel, Ingebrigtsen added: “If I didn’t do as he did, he would come and shame me and beat me until I was sick.”Most read in AthleticsGjert Ingebrigtsen, who denies assaulting his children, in a courtroom sketchCredit: APJakob Ingrebrigtsen is a two-time Olympic gold medallistCredit: PAIt was also claimed that Gjert threatened to beat his son “to death” during an argument in a car.Ingebrigtsen has six siblings; Henrik, Filip, Kristoffer, Martin, Ingrid, and William.I was a reality TV star dubbed the ‘cardio Kim Kardashian’ – now I’m making my own way and targeting Olympic goldJakob, Henrik and Filip have gone to become professional athletes, with the family’s journey detailed in the documentary series “Team Ingebrigtsen” between 2016 and 2021.The trio split with their father as coach in 2022, and the following year made allegations against him public.During day one of the trial, Jakob claimed that they decided to do so in order to protect younger sister Ingrid, 19.He said: “The motive is to look after and help her as best we can, and take care of ourselves.”Try to get out of the difficult situations and the lives we have had. I can’t think of any other motives than that.”‘SABOTAGE’Ingebrigtsen claimed that he had witnessed Ingrid being struck in the face with a wet towel in 2022 for not wanting to become a professional athlete like her older brothers.It was alleged that Gjert threatened to “sabotage” his sons careers when they split with him as coach three years ago.Asked about the toll of his father’s behaviour by the prosecutor, Ingebrigtsen said: “I definitely think it affected the way I was able to be a child.”I always looked over my shoulder and thought about the possible consequences of what I did.When I got a girlfriend and wife, it was difficult to have a life togetherJakob Ingebrigtsen”As a teenager, I realised that the less I did, the safer I was. I became very conscious about showing emotions and ended up not doing it. To protect myself.”I now struggle a lot with letting people in and trusting me. When I got a girlfriend and wife, it was difficult to have a life together.”You have to show feelings and be there for each other. Be a person who contributes to the family. It’s difficult when I’ve lived a life with a lot of stress.”Ingebrigtsen is married to childhood sweetheart Elisabeth Asserson.When they wanted to move in together aged 18, Jakob claims that his father called them “terrorists”.Gjert did not attend their wedding in 2023, although their mother Tone was present.’CHARACTERISED BY FEAR’On how he was raised, Ingebrigtsen said: “My upbringing was very much characterised by fear.”Everything was controlled and decided for me. There was an enormous amount of manipulation.”As a teenager I felt I had no free will or say in anything.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe trial is expected to last around two months.Gjert is scheduled to give evidence next week. More

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      BBC reporter comforts British sprinter as he chokes back tears in live TV interview after winning gold

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      SPEED KING Jeremiah Azu was close to tears as he became Britain’s 13th male world champion indoors.Thirteen days after he won gold at the Europeans, the Welshman sprinted to glory over 60 metres on day one of the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing.Jermiah Azu gave an emotional victory to the BBCAzu, 23, had just produced an incredible performanceInitially it flashed up that he was second behind Australian Lachlan Kennedy in a dramatic photo finish.But then the scoreboard placed him first, thanks to his late dip, as he equalled his personal best time of 6.49 seconds, which had been set in Apeldoorn earlier this month.Holland-born Azu ran around the track in celebration and then spoke about his emotions during a whirlwind few weeks that had also seen him become a father for the first time.The 23-year-old – who won by a margin of 0.01 seconds from Kennedy – said: “I knew I could win it.READ MORE IN SPORT“It’s history to be a European and world champion in the same year. I’m excited for the future.“I said at the Europeans, I want to take over the world. This is just the start of our journey.“The plan is to keep on winning. This gives me massive confidence. The sky isn’t the limit – there’s way, way more than that. Let’s see what the summer brings – I’m excited for it.”Azu, who relocated from Italy to Wales after the Paris Olympics, is the fourth British man to win this sprint crown, following Jason Gardener (2004), Dwain Chambers (2010) and Richard Kilty (2014).Most read in AthleticsBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAzu won in a dramatic photo finishCredit: RexThe British star proudly holds up the GB flagCredit: RexHe said: “I was a bit emotional before the final with my coach. The last few years have been very difficult for me and this morning I was thinking about it and reflecting.“It’s so important to surround yourself with people that believe in you and who care about you. If I came last, they would be the same. That’s huge for me.Athlete disqualified for shameful act just centimetres from finish line that sparked fury “It’s been huge to move back to Cardiff. Family is everything to me. I sacrificed that for the last two years.“Being back with my family, having that support team around me, is huge.”They allow me to believe in myself and that’s something you can’t teach. It’s so important to success.”Britain’s 1500 metres runners Georgia Hunter Bell and Neil Gourley, the squad captain, and Amber Anning in the 400 metres all qualified fastest from their respective heats. More

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      Athlete disqualified for shameful act just centimetres from finish line that sparked fury at U20 Championship

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      THE Spanish Under-20 Indoor Championships were hit by a shameful act centimetres from the finish line.Guillermo Sanchez was crowned the victor of the 1500m event in Salamanca with a time of 3:54.55.The Spanish Under-20 Indoor Championships were hit with a shocking incidentAthlete’s Daniel Lopez and Mario Palencia clashed centimetres from the finish linePalencia was disqualified for pushing Lopez over at the finish line after Lopez crossed his pathCredit: LaLiga+Lopez fell heavily to the floor after the pushHowever, as the 18-year-old raised his hands in triumph, the crowd was left stunned as second and third became embroiled in a stunning act.Athletes Daniel Lopez and Mario Palencia, both 18, were close behind Sanchez when he crossed the line. But as they approached the finish line, Lopez – who was running in second at the time – appeared to veer his path to the right. This change of direction saw him get in the way of Palencia.READ MORE IN SPORTFrustrated by the move across his path, Palencia astonishingly pushed Lopez just centimetres before the pair were set to cross the finish line.This caused Lopez to lose his balance and go tumbling over on to the floor.As reported by Marca, the act was deemed to constitute unsportsmanlike conduct under article RT7.1. Palencia received a red card for the incident and was subsequently disqualified from the race.Most read in AthleticsCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsBut it was not only the finish line push which had been considered, with the pair also clashing during the race.Both race-winner Sanchez, runner-up Lopez and the disqualified Palencia had each won their respective earlier heat to get to the final.Horror moment sprinter is smacked in the head with baton during relay before being treated for potential skull fracture More

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      Meet the Greta Thunberg of Team GB Athletics who has turned down events to avoid flying

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      ECO WARRIOR Innes FitzGerald is ‘gutted’ the British Athletics squad took a flight not the Eurostar to Holland for the European Athletics Indoor Championships.The Greta Thunberg of track-and-field might only be 18 years old, but she cares deeply about highlighting environmental issues.Innes Fitzgerald cares a lot about highlighting environmental issuesCredit: GettyShe prefers not to fly to eventsCredit: GettyTwo years ago, FitzGerald – who is studying Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Exeter – skipped a cross-country event in Australia in “solidarity” of the “climate breakdown”.And to attend a race in Turin, she took trains, coaches and even rode a bicycle instead of taking a straightforward, direct flight to Italy.Yet for this latest event in Apeldoorn, she reluctantly flew with teammates into Amsterdam because she did not have enough time to sort out a train schedule.FitzGerald, who hails from Beer in Devon, said: “Unfortunately, this time, I hadn’t managed to sort it out.READ MORE ON SPORT“Logistically, it’s been quite complicated. I’ve been very busy with uni stuff and other different family issues.“I do feel like I should be getting the train there and that’s definitely something I’m going to be doing in the future.“And for me, it’s quite gutting that the whole team aren’t going together on the train, considering it’s so close and so easy to do.“But I’ll continue to talk out about environmental issues in the future, because I know it’s really important. I strongly believe that we as athletes have a responsibility.Most read in AthleticsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“There’s always more they can do, whether that’s World Athletics or British Athletics, or any other organisations.“I think there’s always more to be done and I’ll continue to campaign for that. ‘See you next week’ vows Sharlene Mawdsley as she preps for Euro Champs with ‘lots of hard work, good food & goodies’“Whenever I’m getting on a flight, it’s never easy. I’m always thinking: ‘Oh, I shouldn’t be doing this.’“But I know that I’ve got to go to these championships to fulfil my dreams as a professional athlete.“So, it’s just about balancing that and trying to do as much as I can in other areas of my life to try and make up for it – and speak out and raise awareness.“Greta is very inspirational. She has managed to mobilise so many young people.“I think it’s a compliment to be associated with her. If I can do anything near to what she’s done, then I’ll be very happy.”Her first appearance wearing a senior GB top will be on Saturday morning in the heats for the women’s 3,000 metres.A successful junior cross-country runner, FitzGerald finished third in the indoor trials in Birmingham but was selected when second-place Laura Muir suffered a calf injury.FitzGerald is coached by Gavin Pavey – the husband of five-time Olympian Jo – and she said: “There’s not too much pressure on me because of my age and it’s my first senior GB vest.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I just want to go out there and enjoy it. Hopefully I’ll get into that final. That’s where I believe I belong.“Hopefully I’ll compete for one of those medals. But just getting close, that’s the main thing.”Personal best(s)Here is a look at FitzGerald’s recent best times…1500m: 4.15:04 (Watford, 2022)3000m: 8.40:05 (Ostrava, 2025)5000m: 15:26.76 (Manchester, 2024) More

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      Meet the Brit, 15, who’s faster than Bolt and Lyles at the same age, trained by his mum and is smashing world records

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      A TEENAGE British sprinter is on course to usurp Usain Bolt as the fastest man on the planet.It’s unusual for someone so young to have already been given a nickname like ‘Lightning’, but this is no normal kid.Divine Iheme has been smashing world records across his age group.The teenage sensation has been touted as one for the future of British athletics.Credit: GettyEnter record breaking Divine ‘Lightning’ Iheme who, at just 15-years-old is smashing 100 meters sprint barriers within his age group.Iheme has recorded faster times than world record holder Bolt and current Olympic champion Noah Lyles at the same age.Last August, at the age of 14, he recorded a monumental time in junior athletics, clocking in at 10.30 seconds across 100 meters.He was still in Year 9 at the time.Read more on sportTo put that figure into perspective, Lyles’ quickest recorded time at that age was 11.27 seconds, while Bolt managed 10.57.Iheme’s time cleared the previous world record in the age group of 10.51 seconds held by Jamaica’s Sachin Dennis.Even crazier is that Iheme’s time of 10.30 seconds would have earned him a third place finish in the British men’s 100m championship last year.Just last month the starlet broke a 23-year-old record, held by USA’s J-Mee Samuels, for the 60m indoor sprint recording a time of 6.71 seconds.Most read in AthleticsIheme was born to be an athlete. Both his mother, Nkiruka, and his father, Innocent, were successful athletes who represented Nigeria at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester.Meet the 14-year-old British sprint prodigy Divine Iheme who is fastest U15 in history and dubbed ‘next Noah Lyles’ Coached by his mother, who also runs the PWD Athletics Academy in Oxfordshire, Divine seems to be in good hands.Speaking in an interview with The Telegraph he said: “She’s tough – really tough – very specific.“All she says is, ‘Focus on the one main goal’. It was two years ago that I ran my first sub 11 seconds – 10.86 when I was 13 – that was my first big thing. I have just been gradually working and working.”Mum Nkiruka chimed in: “He loves running so, so much, he doesn’t want to miss his training so, if he doesn’t do his homework, it’s ‘no training’.”The language we use is, ‘no pain, no gain’ or ‘pain now, play later’. Some children are just in the house playing games.”Recalling his early ventures into athletics in adverse conditions on school sports days Iheme continued: “I’d always win the 75m dash and the 200m by a big margin.“I hated the 600m – I remember crying.“I thought, ‘Yeah, I can do my own events and I want to take this seriously from now on’. Mum didn’t want to push me until I said I wanted to do it.””Lightning” has drawn comparisons to some of the best sprinters in recent timesCredit: GettyMultiple national age-group titles later his efforts reached new levels last August when he shocked the nation at Lee Valley.Iheme recolleted the experience: “I remember on the day the timer was delayed, I was crouched, waiting. I saw 10.3 and I started screaming and shouting and running around.”I was really surprised. The commentator started going crazy. It was an amazing experience. I loved it.”Nkiruka described her experience watching the spectacle with family in Nigeria: “We were jumping up and down – there was a window – and, in the excitement, I banged my head.”Despite her understandable excitement Nkiruka wants to keep her son grounded: “He’s not in competition with anybody – he is just enjoying his training.”If something comes, ‘Wow’. If not, ‘OK’. At the moment I don’t want to put pressure on him. He is going to do well.”READ MORE SUN STORIESIheme is a star in the making with the world at his feet. Breaking records has seen his popularity rise amongst his friends at schoolHe added: “They always say, ‘I can’t believe I’m friends with the world record holder’, it’s really good. They are really happy for me.”Iheme’s mother Nkurika has had a huge role in the development of the youngster.Credit: Getty More

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      Tragedy as spectator killed after being struck by hammer thrown by athlete as he tried to protect wife and son

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      A SPECTATOR has tragically died after being accidentally struck by a hammer thrown by an athlete.The man was killed in the incident on Sunday that happened during a competition at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs campus.A man was killed at a hammer-throwing event trying to protect his familyCredit: APWade Langston was accidentally struck by a hammer thrown by an athleteCredit: FAMILY HANDOUT/UNPIXSThe El Paso County Coroner’s office has named the man as Wade Langston.The 57-year-old was the father of one of the competitors and is reported to have died while trying to protect his wife and son.It is claimed that he was shielding his family when a hammer that can weigh up to 7.26kg (1st 2lb) struck him.Medical care was provided by first responders by Langston was pronounced dead at the scene.READ MORE ON SPORTA spokesperson for the University revealed that the hammer had cleared the “certified barriers and struck him”A witness told the Daily Mail that a throw was off-target and veered off to clear a 12ft net.One said: “The amount of blood was horrific.”I’m devastated for the family and just furious at the incompetence and carelessness of UCCS.Most read in Athletics”I saw someone die today and it was completely unnecessary.”University of Colorado Colorado Springs chancellor Jennifer Sobanet released a brief statement.She said: “We are heartbroken at this horrible accident and are focused on supporting all involved.”The incident is being treated as “non-criminal”, according to the Colorado Springs Police Department.The rest of the competition was cancelled and organisers are not sure if it will be rescheduled.The Colorado United Track Club also released a statement sending its condolences to Langston’s family.It read: “The Colorado United Track Club, our coaches and helpers would like to extend our deepest condolences to the Langston Family as they navigate the tragic loss of Wade Langston.”Please know that our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with this family, and they are not alone in their grief.” More

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      I want to be the most powerful man in world sport says British hero Lord Coe

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      LORD SEBASTIAN COE has vowed to shake-up the Olympic Movement if he becomes president, saying: There’s too much power in the hands of too few people.On Thursday, Britain’s double Olympic 1500 metres champion revealed details behind his bid to become the most powerful man in sport.Seb Coe has launched his bid to become the next IOC presidentCredit: PACoe was chairman of the organising committee that delivered the 2012 London Olympics and ParalympicsCredit: PAInternational Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, 70, steps down in 2025 after 12 years and Coe, 68, is up against six candidates to replace the German.His manifesto was launched 21 floors up The Turing Building, which overlooks Stratford in East London where the London 2012 Olympics were held – Coe was chairman of that organising committee.If elected next March in Athens, Coe has vowed to:+ Protect and promote the integrity of women’s sport (“I’ll advocate for clear, science-based policies that safeguard the female category.”)Read more on Olympics+ Revamp the Olympics commercial model after four top sponsors quit after the Paris 2024 Games.+ Possibly switch some indoor sports from the summer Olympics to the winter Games.+ Empower the 100-plus IOC membership and give them decision-making responsibility.+ Strengthen anti-doping systems by enhancing funding and use legal methods to nail dopers.Most read in Athletics+ Get more young people involved in the Olympics – but breakdancing will not return under Coe.Coe, who has been World Athletics boss since 2015, said: “It’s exciting. It’ll be the privilege and honour of my life to do this.“And I’m ready. I take absolutely nothing for granted.“But I’ll work harder for this than I’ll probably ever work for anything. Because I think ultimately the treasure at the end is really dramatic here.Coe will find out next year if he will be elected to become the most powerful man in sportCredit: ReutersSince 2015, Coe has been president of World AthleticsCredit: Sportsfile“Here in Stratford is probably the best demonstration of anything that I’ve delivered.“None of this would have happened without using the extraordinary power of the Olympic Movement.“To have built a new city inside an old city in seven years. To do it from a standing start. To leave 50,000 permanent, meaningful jobs and new houses, three universities.“That’s the power of the Movement. Every day, if I’m privileged to do this job, I’ll be squeezing every ounce of that. Fans ‘in floods of tears’ as Sir Chris Hoy gives rousing speech at BBC SPOTY despite brave cancer battle“The vision is simple. To use the inspirational power of the Olympic Movement to deliver the Greatest Show on Earth every two years.“In simple terms, I just want to use the experience that I think I’ve amassed over many years. I want to build, I want to reform and I want to deliver.”Coe, a Tory MP for five years, knows he is “not an insider” and is up against favourite Juan Antonio Samaranch Junior and Bach protégé Kirsty Coventry.The former 1500 metres world record holder said: “In the IOC room are some really smart people. Some of them have got brains the size of planets.“Some are running great chunks of the global marketplace. They’re cultural icons.“They’re coaches. Educators. Members of the Royal Family. Former Prime Ministers or presidents of countries. There’s no shortage of talent there.“But what input do I and other members have? The reality is there isn’t enough. There’s too much power in the hands of too few people.“This isn’t a broken organisation. It can be so much better. There has to be safe space for discussion.”With Saudi Arabia confirmed as hosts for the 2034 Fifa World Cup, it is inevitable they will target the Olympics over the next decade – either winter or summer.READ MORE SUN STORIESCoe, a longstanding member of Amnesty International, has “active discussions” with desert sports bosses over track-and-field and has not ruled out working with them if he gets the top job.But says he has “uncompromising conversations with governments and sometimes Heads of State” over human rights concerns when awarding tournament rights to host countries.Forty-four years ago, Coe became Olympic 1500m champion in Moscow, as he outpaced Brit Steve OvettCredit: PA More

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      Sprint sensation Gout Gout, 16, breaks U18 100m world record at SCHOOL championships – but it doesn’t count

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      SPRINT prodigy Gout Gout has broken the U18 100 metre world record… but it will not count.The 16-year-old Australian sensation ran 10.04 seconds at the national All-Schools Athletics Championships in Queensland on Friday.Gout Gout has furthered his credentials as a teenage sprinting superstarCredit: GettyHe obliterated the rest of the field and ran under the U18 100 metre world record but it does not countCredit: Athletics AustraliaHe destroyed the field by a huge margin and went under the U18 world record of 10.06 held jointly by American Christian Miller and Thailand’s Puripol Boonson.However, Gout’s phenomenal performance is not a legitimate time due to an illegal tailwind of 3.4m/sec.It is also not the fastest illegitimate U18 100m ever as American Erriyon Knighton previously ran a wind-assisted 9.99.But it is nevertheless an astonishing performance from the youngster – who celebrates his 17th birthday on December 29.READ MORE IN SPORTTo put Gout’s time of 10.02 into context, Usain Bolt, who holds the world record for the fastest 100m ever with a time of 9.58, had a PB of 10.03 until the age of 21.Within months of breaking the 10-second barrier, Bolt went on to run a world record time of 9.68 to win gold at the 2008 Olympic Games.Gout caught the eye in April 2023 when, aged just 15, he broke the Australian U18 men’s 200m record with a time of 20.87 seconds.After the performance, he said: “It means a lot because I’ve been training so much for this. I was really nervous.Most read in AthleticsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”The gun went, and I was good and I just kept pushing. It’s like you can’t feel any ground contact, it feels like you are floating.”This season has been mind-blowing for me. Last year I came fourth and sixth at nationals, and then I came out at All Schools and won.Watch ‘ridiculous’ moment 16-year-old sprint sensation Gout Gout runs 100m in 10.2secs after ‘turning into Forest Gump'”I was really motivated because I took last year personally, it always feels better when you are winning.”In August this year, he destroyed the rest of the field at the Queensland Athletics Championships with a time of 10.20.Gout was born in Queensland, Australia to parents from South Sudan.His parents moved to Australia two years before he was born. More

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      Geoff Capes dead at 75: Legendary strongman and Britain’s finest shot putter passes away

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      GEOFF CAPES has sadly passed away at the age of 75.The legendary strongman was considered Britain’s finest shot-putter and was one of its biggest celebrities at his peak.Geoff Capes has passed away at the age of 75Credit: GettyCapes seen here lifting fellow 80s star and legendary Sun Page 3 girl Linda LusardiCredit: GettyHe was pictured with record-breaking England goalkeeper Peter Shilton at a charity event in 2019Credit: XHe also bred budgies outside of sportCredit: GettyA family statement 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.”Capes, from Holbeach in Lincolnshire, was adored by millions and became a household name in the Eighties and Nineties.The 6ft 6ins star, who still holds the British shot put record at 21.68mtrs, was also twice named the World’s Strongest Man.READ MORE ON SPORTHis first victory came in the World’s Strongest Man event in 1983 in Christchurch, New Zealand, and the second was two years later in Cascais, Portugal.During his shot-put career he won gold medals in the European Indoor Championships and the Commonwealth Games.Fans of Capes, who weighed 27st at one point, have flooded social media to pay tribute to the legend.One posted: “RIP legendary strongman Geoff Capes.”Most read in AthleticsA second wrote: “Another sporting hero from our youth leaves us. RIP Geoff Capes.”A third commented: “Sad to hear of the death of Geoff Capes. He was a big part of my TV childhood. Thoughts are with his family and friends.”Tributes have flooded in for the legend on social mediaCredit: GettyHe also competed at two Olympic gamesCredit: AlamyHe made an appearance on hit children’s series the The Sooty ShowCredit: YouTubeHe was often a star guest on light entertainment programmes in the Eighties and early Nineties and is seen here on The Little And Large Show as BlutoCredit: X / Formerly known as TwitterCapes with one of his budgerigars in 1978Credit: GettyA fourth said: “So sad to hear the news that Geoff Capes passed away.”He was also a three-time Olympian, competing at Munich in 1972, Montreal in 1976 in Moscow in 1980.In his debut games, the talented sportsman who also represented his county at basketball, football and cross country, he finished in 20th place.He was one of the favourites for gold at both of his latter tournaments but finished sixth and fifth.Former policeman Capes also competed in the Highland Games in Scotland and won the World Heavy Events title in Lagos in 1981.At the European Championships in Prague in 1978, he was sent home in disgrace.He had punched a referee and two guards who were holding machine guns after they complained that he was not wearing the correct number for the competition.After retiring, he went on to coach stars in both athletics and strength athletics.He helped Adrian Smith take fifth spot in the World’s Strongest Man in 1990.During the Eighties, he was a regular on TV screens in the country, appearing on entertainment shows such as Little and Large, the Sooty Show and the Kenny Everett Television Show.One of nine children, his shot-put talent was passed down to his family, with daughter Emma a Youth Olympics bronze medalist.His son, Lewis, has played American Football for the London Monarchs.Outside of sport, he was a huge lover of budgies.He bred the birds for more than four decades – getting his first three birds from a man he went to arrest for failing to pay a fine in 1969 when he was in the police.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe was named the president of the Budgerigar Society in 2008.He bred his own birds for over three decades and was overjoyed when he was bestowed with the honour.Geoff Capes’ career medalsStrongman career:1983 World’s Strongest Man1985 World’s Strongest Man1980 Europe’s Strongest Man1982 Europe’s Strongest Man1984 Europe’s Strongest Man1987 World Strongman Challenge winner1987 World Muscle Power Classic winnerShotput career:Gold – 1974 Commonwealth GamesGold – 1978 Commonwealth GamesGold – 1974 European Indoor Athletics ChampionshipGold – 1976 European Indoor Athletics ChampionshipSilver – 1975 European Indoor Athletics ChampionshipSilver – 1977 European Indoor Athletics ChampionshipSilver – 1979 European Indoor Athletics ChampionshipBronze – 1978 European Indoor Athletics ChampionshipBronze – 1974 European Athletics Championship More