William Steuart
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.
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.
South African championships - Pretoria - 1955
Springbok swimmers Billy Steuart, Anthony Briscoe, Aubrey Burer and Peter Duncan at the Sunmmit club indoor pool in Hillbrow.
1958 - Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
1959 - Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
1960 - Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
In November 1960 William Steuart was given the William A. Present award for citizenship, while his elligibility to compete remains an issue, due to his 'Alien' status.
In 1961 Billy Steuart regains his elligibilty to compete for Michigan sate, and is selected as team captain.
Billy retires in 1961, but his achievements outlast him. His Michigan State record in the 1650 yards freestyle is still standing in 1971. Having moved to California, he swim in masters until at least 2002.
The Lansing State Journal remembered Billy in August 1984 with this short Spartifact.