In 1954 William 'Billy' Steuart was in standard 8 at King Edward VII (KES) school in Johannesburg when he won his Springbok colours to swim in the Commonwealth Games in Vancouver. Although he failed to win an individual medal, he was a member of the 4x220 yards freestyle relay team with Graham Johnston, Dennis Ford and Peter Duncan that win a bronze medal.
In 1955 Billy won three national titles and in 1956 he took 4 titles in 4 South African records at the South African Swimming Championships.
In 1957 Billy won a swimming scholarship to Michigan State University, where excelled - winning the 440 yards and 1650 yards freestyle at the NCAA Champoionships in in 1958 and 1959. He was selected team captain in 1961 after the NCAA rules regarding 'Alien Athletes' prevented him from competing for the university during 1960.
Billy stayed on in the United States after graduating, after he married local girl Gail Schleicher in 1960. He competed in
Masters swimming for the Davis Aquatic Masters club in California.