HE WAS the juggernaut that shook the nation and made strongman competitions household viewing in the 1980s.

And now former World’s Strongest Man Geoff Capes will get back into the world of strength and power as a referee at the Ultimate Strongman World Championships II in Southampton next month.

The 68-year-old shot -putter, also represented the UK in three Olympic Games in Munich in 1972, Montreal in 1976, and Moscow in 1980.

But he is now set to ensure fair play when he officiates at the biggest strength competition which rolls into St Mary’s Stadium on June 3.

His battles with Icelander Jon Pall Sigmarsson gripped the nation, with Capes earning the world title in 1983 and 1985.

And with more than 40-years experience at the top of strength athletics, he will help bring order in the competition.

Capes, a former Highland Games champion, said: “I have known the organiser, Glenn Ross, for many years and always like the way he designs disciplines that reflect the great historic feats of strongmen…I like to keep close to the sport and coach.

“I’ve been there and done it all so there will be no way any competitor will pull the wool over my eyes.”

The Lincolnshire-born star was twice Commonwealth Champion in the shot putt in addition to winning the European title twice.

A world renowned budgie breeder he remains the most capped British athlete with 67 appearances for his country.

During the event, he will be joined by the likes of reigning Ultimate Strongman World Champion and UK’s Strongest Man Laurence Shahlaei, Lithuania’s four-time World’s Strongest Man Zydrunas Savickas and fans favourite Nick Hadge.

As well as the competition, people will also see a 400kg world record tyre flip record attempt from athlete Aaron Page and a world record 150kg dumbbell attempt from Polish heavyweight Mateusz Kieliszkowski.

Tickets are priced from £16.58 and available online.