Duke Kahanamoku
Duke Kahanamoku
Duke Paoa Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola Kahanamoku was a Hawaiian Olympic medalist swimmer, a surfer and a volleyball player who also acted in Hollywood movies, was a lawman and a businessman. He was born on 24th August in 1890 in Honolulu and is considered a Hawaiian folk hero to this date. Kahanamoku is not only remembered for his skills in aquatic sports but also for his friendly attitude, good sportsmanship and elegance. He was one of the greatest influences in spreading the sport of surfing throughout the world.
Early Years
Duke Kahanamoku was the eldest son of his parents and was named after his father, Duke Halapu Kahanamoku. His father was in police force and his mother, Julia Paʻakonia, was a deeply religious woman. After winning various swimming competitions, Duke became a household name. Due to his first name, he was often mistaken as a member of Hawaiian royalty. Kahanamoku, who was a very humble man, never hesitated to correct them. His family belonged to a prominent Hawaiian clan; the Kahanamoku and the Paoa, the lower-ranking chiefs or nobles who served the aliʻi nui or royalty. He had five brothers and three sisters. He grew up with his siblings and cousins. Kahanamoku attended the Waikiki Grammar School, Kaahumanu School, and the Kamehameha Schools but he could never graduate because he had to quit school to support his family. He spent a large part of his youth on the beach developing his swimming and surfing skills. He owned a traditional surfboard, which he named papa nui. It was constructed in an ancient Hawaiian fashion from a Koa tree. In 1911, he took part in a local swimming competition in Honolulu. He swam 100 yards in just 55.4 seconds breaking the existing world record.
Career
In 1912, Kahanamoku took part in U.S. Olympic swimming competition and won a gold medal. He went on to win more medals in 1920 
Olympics in Antwerp and 1924 Olympics in Paris. He also took part in the US water polo team in 1932 summer Olympics. Duke traveled to various countries to give swimming performances. He also popularized surfing by giving public exhibitions. Prior to his Australian exhibition at Sydney’s Freshwater Beach in 1914, surfing was only recognized in Hawaii. In 1912, he presented surfing to the general public in USA. When he was living in Southern California, Duke had an opportunity to act in Hollywood movies as a character and a background actor. His involvement in movies made surfing even more popular among the people. In 1925, a fishing vessel got capsized in Newport and Kahanamoku saved eight men. The police chief called Duke’s efforts “the most superhuman surfboard rescue act the world has ever seen.”
Death
Duke Kahanamoku died at the age of 77 on January 22, 1968 of a heart attack. He was mourned by millions of people all over the world. His memorial service was performed by Reverend Abraham Akaka and was attended by numerous people from all walks of life. He wanted to be cremated and his ashes were scattered into the ocean where he belonged.
