Obituary: Steven Stuart - Jesus College, Cambridge and Brasenose College, Oxford : Dec 21 1979 – June 28 2006Steve, who competed in the 2005 Varsity Match for the Cambridge Alverstone's, was sadly killed this summer in a motorbike accident on the M40 just outside Oxford in the small hours of 28th June. Few details of the accident are known due to a lack of witnesses but Thame's Valley Police described the occurrence as a 'tragic incident'. It appears Steve struggled to avoid a crash that took place ahead of him and was followed into the crash zone by at least one other vehicle. Steve was a prolific character and sportsman in both Cambridge and later Oxford. He had previously also studied at UCL and Imperial. At the time of his death he was studying for his doctorate in genetics and was an active member of Oxford University Boat Club. Steve was passionate about everything he did - taking everything as a challenge. Indeed though he was known for putting a humorous and macho spin on most things (here's a nice quote from his website - “ I am an elite sportsman who somehow isn't affected enough by ridiculous drinking and surreal behaviour. I'm seriously into disco dancing and will refuse no challenge”), anyone who saw him training or working knew that there were serious things going on within. Steve excelled academically as well as in other areas of his life – he achieved his BSc (Hons) in Human Genetics and an MRes in Biomedical Research as well as a DIC in Advanced Research and a PGCE in Secondary Biology. This work led Steve to lead expeditions to Borneo, the Amazon and Outer Mongolia. Steve was international-level as a young athlete over the longer distances before turning to rowing at Imperial due to an ankle injury and severed tendons. He was taught in 2002 by Simon Dennis (Olympic champion coach) and went on to be Winner of the S3 Head of the River Race and the Fours Head (2003) while rowing with Goldie. Steve twice competed at Henley (2003 and 2004). After trialling with CUBC in 2004/5 he was a member of the GB team at the World Indoor Rowing Championships in 2005. Steve also rowed across the North Sea in a Viking Ship in 2005 for a “Real Boat Race” programme which was broadcast on C4 in August this year with a mention of the accident as a post script. In addition to rowing Steve found time to attain a Full Purple in Triathlon from Imperial College and a Cambridge Half Blue for Triathlon where he won the Individual Title in the Varsity Triathlon in 2005. It was in early Michaelmas 2004 that Steve returned to Athletics, initially competing over the steeplechase in the Fresher's match (3rd). Come varsity he was selected to compete in the Alverstone's 400H (3rd) for which he had trained remarkably well despite his insistence on wearing rowing lycra. On the day he ended up also going over the sprint hurdles in which he was sadly disqualified for 'manually “suppressing” a hurdle', in true Steve style. Steve's dedication to and keenness for the club was demonstrated even more vehemently off the track. At Alverstone's weekly socials Steve was legendary, and i do not use the word lightly – though obviously what goes on tour etc... Similarly Steve lead precedings for some of the more dubious inebriated activities following the Varsity Match itself. One story which does deserve full relation was Steve's attendance to the first round of the 2005 Hawk's Club 'boat race' (i.e. drinking relays) in a bikini. Having been told we would be given a head-start for the wearing of fancy dress Steve took it upon himself to go for the biggest head-start possible. Only to have it refused since the whole team was not similarly attired! Nonetheless Steve conducted himself with so much of his usual vigour that said bikini completely split on bending over to pick the race-pint up! I wont mention the moped, but those who know no doubt remember that one.. Steve was proud of his affiliation to the club and to the university and made a point of wearing his Alverstone's tie to Oxford occasions and returned to support Cambridge in the 2006 varsity match despite his then-present academic affiliations. Steve left a lasting memory on those whom he competed and socialised with in the 2004/5 year at Cambridge. News of his death arrived but hours later on the morning of the America's match. This brought a sombre tone on many of us. However, determined to take hold of the opportunity Steve was toasted at the post match banquet and a 'CUAC speed-suit' was auctioned to raise money to buy commemorative items. Many thanks to Dr. Andy Hodge who made the winning bid of £500. A commemorative bench will be placed beside the track at Wilberforce Road and from this year the Steven Stuart Trophy for The Most Notable ( and not necessarily best) 2nd Team Varsity Performance shall be awarded on VM day. This will be the only trophy reserved for 2nd Team Athletes – a gesture towards rewarding bold character, style, flair and not least commitment that we hope Steve would appreciate. I have met few people with such a willingness to take part and a keenness to succeed and a general vigour for life as Steve. He knew when to take himself and life seriously and when to do exactly the reverse - something that many in perhaps Oxbridge especially find so difficult to do. He certainly will not be forgotten, though he is sorely missed. I must finish as I daresay Steve would want me to by pointing out that he had a minor obsession with Avril Lavigne. Perhaps the one questionable aspect of his character!! Mike Collins 25/09/06 |