Stephen Robertson Passes Away
on November 10th, 2011Today the world of water ski racing has been shocked by the death of former two time World Water Ski Racing Champion Stephen Robertson of Australia.
For me the news is just sinking in of the loss of such a tremendous sportsman, a great guy and a wonderful family man.
Many thousands of people all over the world will be saddened by this news and thinking of Stephen, and his family who will be devastated by this event.
Stephen was training on the Hawkesbury River, ahead of the 50th Bridge to Bridge Water Ski Race, with current World Champion Chris Stout.
Stephen became the World Water Ski Racing Champion in Spain 1999 and then again in the USA 2001. His brother Paul was World Champion in 1991 and brothers Barry & Johnny crewed for both Stephen and Paul in the infamous Firebird race boats. Stephen achieved a great deal more than those world titles and gave back a lot to the sport. He is from one of the most well respected and talented water ski racing families in the world – The Robertsons.
Australian media
9 News reports
The Sydney Morning Herald reports
A Personal Message: Stephen you were a great friend for 20 years. I will always remember the hospitality you and your family extended to me when I first came to Australia in 1991. I will remember my visits to your family’s home in Five Dock and your time at my parents’s home in Wales. I will remember our great times on and off the water in the many countries that we met.
Thank you for your friendship Stephen. I am honoured to have known you as a friend before, during and after your years at the very top of our sport.
My thoughts are with your lovely family.
Rest in Peace now.
Scroll down to read more personal messages
Stephen,
Undoubtedly one of the all time greats, a legend, a hero, there are many words to describe a two time world champion, how many other skiers can say they have achieved that?! its not a very long list! Yet unfortunately the list of the great gone too soon is getting longer and longer and i dont want to believe that it has happened, the reality still hasnt quite hit home yet…
All the while i was growing up i kept hearing your name, and hearing of the legendary Firebird and the Robertson Family from Australia and thinking WOW! Then to see you in action in Spain in 1999 at the age of 8, racing side by side with Darren, and just being in awe of the two of you. Then being in Vegas in 2001 and seeing you take the second world title, and at the closing ceremony i nervously came up to you with a poster and asked for your autograph along with the group of other skiers you were stood talking to. I still have that poster somewhere as well!
The Robertson family name is known worldwide, essentially as ski racing royalty, and it is a great privilege to have even met you. But then to visit where you live in Sydney, to ski in the harbour, the training ground of world champions, to race behind a boat with the Robertson name on it, and then what sticks in my mind the most after looking up to you for so long, speaking to you on the phone, and you, Stephen Robertson, asking me how i was feeling about the worlds and wishing me all the best… that truely is an honour, and they are experiences i will carry with me forever.
My thoughts are with Tracey and the girls, John and Jan and the rest of the family, thankyou all so so much for your unparalleled kindness and generosity letting us stay with you to train with Brad when we came to Australia for the worlds.
Stephen, I will miss you sir! Rest in peace Mr. Robertson
Will
R.I.P. Champ
Dear Robertson family, we in Belgium, are devastated by this loss, we where there at his best events ever twice World champion. Think I can speak for the whole of Europe our thoughts are with you, always in favour for the waterski racing sport ! our sincere condolances to the family and all his best friends ever in waterski racing! François, Vera, Kim, Stef, Quinten, Ben the Van den Bossche family – Belgium
Thoughts and Prayers go out to The Robertson Family from the Doherty’s.
Its with heart breaking sadness we woke up to this news this morning, Stephen was a legend in our sport and a true champion on and off the water. Our hearts and thoughts go out to Tracey, the girls and the entire family. The Robertson family are the biggest name in ski racing and their loss will be felt throughout the entire sport.
With great sadness Rest in peace Big Steve.
Jim, Sue, Daniel, Jamie and Sarah Cramphorn
Words can not express the shock of this loss. RIP Stephen. A champion bloke, champion of ski racing (WC99,01), part of a champion family. A huge loss to have legend of our sport and a great bloke taken way too early. All of our thought and deepest sympthony are with the whole extended Robertson family on behalf of all of the Webb family. Adam Webb
Words do seem meaningless at this time, yet they are the only way of conveying how devastating this news is. To Tracey, your girls and your entire family, we send you our deepest sympathy. This is a tragedy that will be felt by all who ever met Stephen and indeed by all who have had any involvement in ski racing. Stephen will always be remembered.
The Lindsell and Weymouth families.