biography
| name: |
Kahanamoku, Duke (Paoa)
|
pronunciation:
[kahanamohkoo]
| sex:
| male
|
| lived:
| (1890–1968)
|
| biography:
| Swimmer and surfer, born in Hawaii, USA. He revolutionized sprint swimming by introducing the flutter kick, and for 20 years was an international freestyle champion. A member of Olympic teams from 1912 to 1932, he won gold medals in 1912 and 1920. In addition, he is generally regarded as having introduced surfboarding (practised for centuries by Pacific islanders) to the West, starting with Australia and California in 1912. After a brief movie career, he became sheriff of Honolulu (1932–61). |
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