Megan Williams-Stewart’s Personal Tribute

Oct. 2, 2007
Article © Robin Ritoss

When Megan Williams-Stewart took to the ice Saturday, at the 39th Nebelhorn-Trophy, in Oberstdorf, Germany, she had more on her mind then her four-minute free program. Megan thought of her grandfather, Theron Williams. Theron Williams, 99, died August 31, 2007, after suffering a fatal heart attack.

"My grandfather was my biggest fan. Today, I skated for him and I could feel he was watching over me."

Megan’s strong performance lifted her from fourth to second place garnishing her muscular body with a silver medal.

Skating to "The Stone" by Andreas Vollenweider, amongst other selections, the 5’6" long-lined beauty landed two double Axels plus a triple Lutz, triple loop/double toe/double loop, triple flip and a triple Salchow. Her only error was doubling a planned triple loop.

Megan was only surpassed by 2005 World Bronze Medallist and reigning European Champion, Carolina Kostner, of Italy.

"Today I want to be known as Williams, in honor of my grandfather," Megan told the media.

However, winning the silver medal was a bittersweet moment for Megan.

"Now I will go home and I will miss seeing his face and hearing the excitement in his voice….He would be so proud of me,"shared Williams-Stewart. "Whenever I went away to competitions I would bring him back treats. His favorite was Coca-Cola….He was my best friend."

Theron Williams was a baseball player and a speed skater.

"He and my mom scoped my career. If it were not for them, I would not be here. Their motivation and passion pushed me to where I am today, "she stated.

"He’s the only person that I have lost that I have been really close to. My grandmother died in April, but she had Alzheimer’s for the last ten years. That was sad too, but she had no quality of life. They were married about fifty-five years. At my grandmother’s funeral, my grandfather sat next to me and held my hand throughout the whole service. We had his services in the same place, but now his chair was empty and no one held my hand," explained the teary-eyed twenty-year-old.

When asked what lessons she learned from her grandfather, Megan replied, "He couldn’t teach me the technical stuff because he wasn’t a figure skater, but he certainly taught me the mental stuff. He taught me to fight and to be determined. He would tell me skate hard and be strong."

"I am extremely grateful for all twenty years of my relationship with him. I wish I could give him a hug, a kiss, and a big smile. I know I cannot do that now, but in my heart, I know that today, I gave him something special."