Disaster at the Worlds Strongest Man competition
I was lucky enough to be able to watch the finals of the Worlds Strongest Man in 1986, it was a thrilling finish, some Icelandic bloke, and our very own Geoff Capes fighting for the title.

"Look at what their lifting Rowan" my dad would comment, condeming my weakness (as well as never being a strong lad, I also had my first name - mum's choice) while praising their strength in one single sentence. Luckily I was 9 at the time, and, as well as my dad, my half french / half cockney (think 2nd world war fraternisation) mate Peter was there to enjoy / share the shame with me.

In the final round (the giant log lift) Geoff is struggling to lift the mighty timber. All of us were shouting, trying to egg him on to lift it to take the lead, when his strength fails, and the log lands on him, and rolls into the crowd, causing chaos.

Pulled to safety by a friendly watcher, I look round for my dad amongst the scattered crowd - no sign of him. Hearing a shout I look forward and see Pete crouched by a man, crushed by the log. "Pete" I shout, "is that my dad?".

He replies "Nah Row, est Capes".
(LargeDoner, Fri 20 Aug 2010, 22:48, Reply)