It would have been easy for Sam Stewart to feel sorry for himself.

And why not? In the prime of his life more than 35 years ago, the Colerain resident was involved in a horrific, work-related, electrical accident.

More than 13,000 volts of electricity had passed through his body. Stewart had survived, but barely. The end result was dire.

One leg could not be saved but Stewart realized the outcome could have been worse.

After being fitted for an artificial leg, Stewart was relatively pleased with the mobility he was able to maintain.

Though his working days were officially over, Sam was not content with settling into early retirement.

The idea of weight lifting as a hobby became appealing. So much so, Stewart took the sport to its highest level.

In 1989, he entered his first competitive meet at a nearby Dallas Pike regional tournament.

Over the ensuing two decades, Stewart’s ‘hobby’ had become a full-time endeavor.

Last month in Oklahoma City, Stewart was accorded the sport’s highest honor – induction into the 2009 National Athletic Strength Association’s Hall of Fame.

“It’s a tremendous honor. I’m very grateful to NASA and the hundreds of people (through the sport of powerlifting) I’ve had the pleasure to work with through the years,” Stewart said.

Sam’s 20-year resume is indeed staggering. He has established over 100 world records in three weight classes, competing in both U.S. and international meets.

“The opportunity to travel is an unforgettable experience in itself,” he offered. “To be able to compete at the highest level and set so many records – I certainly would never have dreamed anything like that 20 years ago.”

From his initial tournament in Wheeling, Stewart has crisscrossed America, entering and excelling in national events in Florida, Texas, Arizona, Tennessee and Nevada.

In 1993, Stewart was offered a roster spot with Team America, a group of record-holding U.S. athletes who traveled to Russia and Finland for international events.

“I was able to set a world record (competing abroad) which was a great thrill. That was definitely once in a lifetime,” Stewart described.

The Colerain resident acknowledged an integral group of sponsors, each of whom have played primary roles in his progress.

Stewart saluted Pittsburgh-based Union Orthotics & Prosthetics and technician Greg Reich in addition to area Dr. Craig Bentley.

“Whiteside’s in St. Clairsville has also been invaluable,” Stewart added.

Stewart has trained the past few years at Wheeling’s Chambers ‘Y’ with long-time aid Stacey Agnew.

Other training facilities frequented by Stewart include Yorkville’s Body Shop; as well as fitness gyms in Bridgeport, New Athens and St. Clairsville.

Stewart dedicated his entire powerlifting career to his late father Francis “Shorty” Stewart. “Dad was never able to watch me compete professionally, though he was a strong supporter,” Sam indicated.

Stewart and his wife, Brenda, celebrated their 38-year anniversary earlier this month. “Brenda has been there for me through everything. I could not have made it through all these years without her support,” he noted.

The Stewart’s have one son, Jason, and two grandchildren; Noah Samuel Stewart, 9; and Ray Lyn Isabella, 5.

Other family members include Sam’s mother, Barb; mother-in-law Delores ‘Dee’ Stan; and brother-in-law John Nicholas Stan.

Gibson may be reached at rgibson@timesleaderonline.com