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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, August 25, 2002

Duke Paoa Kahanamoku — A lifetime of highlights

 •  Honoring the legacy of Duke Kahanamoku

Advertiser Staff

• 1890 Born Aug. 24 in downtown Honolulu, to Duke and Julia Kahanamoku.

• 1891 Family moves to Kalia area of Waikiki.

• 1911 Breaks three world records in freestyle swimming in his first races in Honolulu Harbor.

• 1912 Stockholm Olympics: Wins gold medal and sets world record in 100-meter freestyle swim. Also wins silver medal in 4x200 meter freestyle relay.

• 1913 Introduces surfing to U.S. eastern seaboard.

• 1914-1915 Introduces surfing to Australia.

• 1915-1932 Helps popularize swimming and surfing in California.

• 1917 Off Waikiki Beach, rides a huge wave on his 16-foot surfboard for more than a mile.

• 1918 Swims in exhibition races throughout the Mainland to raise money for Liberty Bonds in support of U.S. war effort.

• 1920 Antwerp Olympics: Wins gold medals in 100-meter freestyle and 4x200 meter freestyle relay. Member of U.S. water polo team that places fourth.

• 1922-1930 Appears in 30 movies while living in Los Angeles.

• 1924 Paris Olympics: Wins silver medal in 100-meter freestyle.

• 1925 On June 14, rescues eight people from drowning after a boat accident near Corona Del Mar, Calif.

• 1932 L.A. Olympics: Wins bronze medal as member of U.S. water polo team.

• 1934 Elected sheriff of City and County of Honolulu. Re-elected 12 times, serving until 1960.

• 1940 Marries Nadine Alexander on Aug. 2.

• 1960 Officially appointed Hawai'i's Ambassador of Aloha.

• 1966 Becomes first person inducted in both the Swimming Hall of Fame (1965) and Surfing Hall of Fame.

• 1968 Dies January 22 at age 77. Ashes scattered off Waikiki in "beach boy" funeral ceremony witnessed by thousands.

• 1984 Inducted into U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame.

Source: Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Ho'olaule'a Executive Committee