Today in History: Duke Kahanamoku – Surfing & Swimming


Today in History–August 11–the Library of Congress features swimmer Duke Kahanamoku, also known as the “father of international surfing“, who broke the world record in the 100-yard freestyle swim by 4.6 seconds in Honolulu Harbor on this day in 1911. Kahanamoku went on to win numerous gold and silver medals in several Olympic Games and helped to repopularize surfing as a sport. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, the click the links below to access more primary sources.

Swimming

Surfing

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