Duke Kahanamoku by Madison Petersen

Who?

mpete557 — 2025-02-07 21:11:06 UTC

Duke Kahanamoku was a Hawaiian surfer. He was born in 1890 in Haleʻākala, Hawaii, and died in 1968 in Honolulu, Hawaii.

What?

mpete557 — 2025-02-07 21:14:37 UTC

He introduced a powerful swimming style with a flutter kick and powerful strokes. He became a surfing ambassador, popularizing the sport of surfing to the world.

Influence?

mpete557 — 2025-02-07 21:16:12 UTC

He won five medals, three of them were gold, over three Olympic Games. He broke a world record in the 100-yard freestyle in his first competition in 1911.

Why?

mpete557 — 2025-02-08 01:23:29 UTC

I chose Duke because I've also been fascinated by the Hawaiian culture and its people.

Connection to the Harlem Renaissance

mpete557 — 2025-02-10 16:20:53 UTC

Duke performed for all the people, primarily White Americans, who watched the Olympics.

Connection to today

mpete557 — 2025-02-10 16:49:34 UTC

He helped spread surfing around the world starting from Hawaii. He is one of the most influential figures in the history of surfing.