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Duke Kahanamoku biography

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  • NAME: Duke Kahanamoku
  • OCCUPATION: Professional Swimmer
  • BIRTH DATE: August 26, 1890
  • DEATH DATE: January 22, 1968
  • PLACE OF BIRTH: Waikiki, Hawaii
  • PLACE OF DEATH: Honolulu, Hawaii
  • Full Name: Duke Paoa Kahanamoku

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Surfing icon Duke Kahanamoku (1890–1968) was an Olympic swimmer, film actor, and sheriff of Honolulu, Hawaii.


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Born in Hawaii on August 26, 1890, Duke Kahanamoku represented the United States at the 1912 and 1920 Olympic Games, bringing home the gold in freestyle and relay swimming events. He was also an excellent surfer, popularizing the sport in mainstream America. Kahanamoku was also a film actor and served as sheriff of Honolulu from 1932 to 1961.

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