Hawaiian Duke Paoa Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola Kahanamoku (August 24, 1890 – January 22, 1968) was a five-time Olympic swimming medalist. Duke, his name rather than a title, was also a policeman, an actor, a beach volleyball player and businessman. He was widely credited with popularising surfing, at that time only known in Hawaii. He easily classifed for the USA Olympic swimming team in 1912, beating the 200 metre free-style record in qualifying.
Duke with his brothers Sam and Dave, also swimmers, at the Paris Olympics in 1924. Sam won the 100m bronze, with Johnny Weissmüller taking gold and Duke silver.
From left to right: Duke Kahanamoku, Clarence 'Buster' Crabbe, Harold 'Stubby' Kruger, Johnny Weissmueler, Judge Elmer F Hunsicker, Paul Goss, Mabel Fitzmorris, Ella Layne Brown and Carolyn Wayman in Ohio, USA in 1932.
In addition to being a swimmer and a surfer, Duke was a hero: while living in Newport Beach, California on June 14, 1925, he rescued eight men from a fishing vessel that capsized in heavy surf. 29 fishermen went into the water and 17 perished. Newport's police chief at the time said of Duke's efforts that it was "the most superhuman surfboard rescue act the world has ever seen". Since then, surfboards have been standard issue for life guards in the US.
In addition to competitive swimming, Duke travelled the world giving swimming and surf demonstrations. His show at Freshwater Beach, Sydney on 23 December 1914 is considered the most important event in the development of Australian surfing.
Duke Kahanamoku and John Wayne in the film "Wake of the Red Witch" in 1948. Duke lived for a time in Southern Californa and was an actor and an extra in a number of films. He used his Hollywood contacts to promote surfing.
Duke was the first person to be inducted into both the Swimming Hall of Fame and the Surfing Hall of Fame. The Duke Kahanamoku Invitational Surfing Championships are named in his honour.
Kahanamoku died of a heart attack on January 22, 1968, at the age of 77. His ashes were scattered in his beloved sea. There is a statue in his honour in Waikiki, Hawaii.
