BATAVIA — After more than 60 years in track and field, including his roles as a coach, athlete and official, and with approximately 1,200 medals earned, Ken Stewart is hanging up his cleats after achieving his greatest and final accomplishment.
Stewart, a former firefighter with the Batavia Fire Department, earned nine medals, including three gold and six silver, to cap off an unforgettable athletic career for the longtime public servant June 30 to July 5 at the 2025 World Police & Fire Games at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex in Birmingham, Alabama.
At 85 years old, Stewart was the oldest athlete competing in an international event that brings first responders from around the world to participate in Olympic-style contests.
“I guess I put Batavia on the map because every time you get on the podium, they mention ‘Ken Stewart, Batavia Fire Department, Batavia, Ohio,’” Stewart said. “Then the next time, Ken Stewart, Batavia Fire Department, Batavia, Ohio, and they had to do it nine times.
“People got familiar with, ‘Oh, Batavia, Ohio, that’s him.”
Stewart took home gold medals in the javelin throw, 400-meter run and high jump. He also secured silver medals in the 100- and 200-meter dashes, shot put, discus throw, hammer throw and long jump.
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