Google’s search banner honors Kahanamoku

Duke Kahanamoku, famous Hawaiian swimmer, handing Denver’s bouquet to a member of the Clipper crew a few minutes before the takeoff Thursday.

Kahanamoku was also an actor, appearing in 14 films.

A bronze statue at Waikiki beach in Honolulu also honours his memory, showing Kahanamoku standing in front of his surfboard with his arms outstretched. And then, at the 1912 Summer Olympics in Stockholm, he won a gold medal in the 100-meter freestyle, and a silver medal with the second-place US team in the men’s 4×200-meter freestyle relay. He first built his reputation as a swimming champion, winning five Olympic medals over the course of his career. At age 34, this was Kahanamoku’s last Olympic medal.

Kahanamoku, who was at the shore preparing for that morning’s ride, rushed into the storm with his surfboard and, followed by three friends, managed to personally save eight of the fishermen’s lives.

Born on August 24, 1890, he had made surfing popular across the world. After retiring from the Olympics, he went around giving swimming exhibitions which is when he popularised the sport of surfing. He was also conferred with the title, “Ambassador of Aloha”.

Kahanamoku was also elected the sheriff of his home county 13 times and starred in over a dozen movies.

There is a chain of restaurants named after him in California and Hawaii called Duke’s.

The swimmer who died at the age of 77 years on January 22, 1968 due to a heart attack was a man of many talents.