Duke Kahanamoku

SwimmerPioneer EraUSA

Two Olympic 100 m freestyle titles and the man who spread surfing worldwide

Overview

Kahanamoku won the 100 m freestyle at Stockholm 1912 and Antwerp 1920, with a silver and relay gold besides, swimming with a then unusual flutter kick refined in Honolulu waters. He traveled the world giving swimming and surfing demonstrations, seeding modern surf culture from Australia to California. He became a sheriff of Honolulu and Olympic flag bearer.

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