A former World's Strongest Man bred budgerigars as his hobby

@JudyEv (338357)
Rockingham, Australia
October 23, 2024 7:06pm CST
I was reading through the news items on my computer and found that Geoff Capes had died. He was an English shot-put record holder and twice designated as the World’s Strongest Man in 1983 and 1985. His shot putt record has stood for 44 years. He was part of popular British culture during the 1980s, using his massive strength to tear phone books in half, overturn cars and tow trucks. What I found interesting was that he was also a renowned breeder of budgerigars and often featured in specialist publications. In the wild in northern Australia, budgies form green clouds as they come in to drink at waterholes.
16 people like this
13 responses
@xFiacre (12920)
• Ireland
24 Oct
@judyev Hard to imagine such a macho hero breeding budgies. Of course there is the temptation now to pass comment on the budgie smugglers he sometimes wore when performing feats of strength.
4 people like this
@JudyEv (338357)
• Rockingham, Australia
24 Oct
I saw a huge biker once absolutely besotted with his little chihuahua. They were an 'odd couple' too.
2 people like this
@rebelann (112732)
• El Paso, Texas
24 Oct
Interesting how a man whose interest is breeding budgerigars is also an athlete, just goes to show how diverse a person can be.
3 people like this
@JudyEv (338357)
• Rockingham, Australia
24 Oct
That's so true. We think because they do a certain sport then there would be some hobbies they wouldn't be into.
2 people like this
@AmbiePam (91681)
• United States
24 Oct
Some intriguing characters have the most unusual hobbies.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (338357)
• Rockingham, Australia
24 Oct
We seem to have these preconceived notions about people, don't we?
2 people like this
@rakski (119965)
• Philippines
24 Oct
It seems a delicate job for such a strong man
2 people like this
@rakski (119965)
• Philippines
24 Oct
@JudyEv true. It just doesn't fit his image maybe
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (338357)
• Rockingham, Australia
24 Oct
It does, doesn't it? But there is really no reason why he shouldn't enjoy such a hobby.
2 people like this
@sallypup (60696)
• Centralia, Washington
24 Oct
My Mom had several budgies. I'd love to witness their green beauty in the sky.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (338357)
• Rockingham, Australia
24 Oct
They adapt really well to captivity but having seen them flying free, I wouldn't ever cage one now.
@Beestring (14459)
• Hong Kong
24 Oct
That's an unusual hobby for such a strong man.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (338357)
• Rockingham, Australia
24 Oct
It does seem unusual, doesn't it?
2 people like this
@Beestring (14459)
• Hong Kong
24 Oct
@JudyEv Yeah.
2 people like this
@snowy22315 (179440)
• United States
24 Oct
I guess he was in touch with his feminine side.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (338357)
• Rockingham, Australia
25 Oct
I guess it shouldn't be considered strange but to me it seemed a bit unusual.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (134944)
• India
25 Oct
Hidden behind those muscles there sure was a kind heart.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (338357)
• Rockingham, Australia
25 Oct
There are a lot of 'gentle giants' in the world.
1 person likes this
@RebeccasFarm (89744)
• Arvada, Colorado
26 Oct
Oh I so love these birds..I've had a few myself when my son was a boy. Years ago now. I wouldn't dream of having a bird in these shitti apartments however..they would not be able to breath like us. Oh good the big strong guy loved the littles.
1 person likes this
• Arvada, Colorado
27 Oct
@JudyEv They are lovely pets
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (338357)
• Rockingham, Australia
27 Oct
My Mum used to breed various colours of budgies. They're dear little birds.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (104943)
• Marion, Ohio
24 Oct
You never know what people are interested in
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (338357)
• Rockingham, Australia
25 Oct
That's for sure.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (176077)
• United States
24 Oct
Very interesting. We only see parakeets in pet shops. I can't imagine seeing clouds of them!!! Very cool. I guess you never know about a person. Have a good day.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (338357)
• Rockingham, Australia
25 Oct
All our finches are in the wild too but most only see them as cage birds.
1 person likes this
• Northampton, England
27 Oct
Mike Tyson was a pigeon racer I recall
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (338357)
• Rockingham, Australia
29 Oct
Is that so? I didn't know that. And Wayne Newton is quite a famous breeder of Arabian horses.
@grenery8 (9173)
• Zagreb, Croatia (Hrvatska)
24 Oct
very interesting hobby.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (338357)
• Rockingham, Australia
25 Oct
My mother bred a lot of budgerigars and canaries.
1 person likes this
@grenery8 (9173)
• Zagreb, Croatia (Hrvatska)
25 Oct
@JudyEv really?that's nice. They do look pretty.
1 person likes this