July 6, 1912
On this day in 1912, Hawaiʻi’s legendary waterman Duke Kahanamoku swam the 100-meter freestyle in his first Olympic Games in Stockholm, Sweden. Credited with introducing a new swimming style to the world, Duke’s powerful kick and full stroke won him his first gold medal in this event and a silver medal in the 4×200-meter freestyle relay.

The 1916 Olympics in Berlin, Germany were canceled during World War I, but Duke went on to dominate the 100-meter freestyle when the Summer Games resumed in Antwerp, Belgium in 1920. Taking home two gold medals for both the 100-meter freestyle and 4×200-meter freestyle relay, Duke had yet to meet his match. At the age of 34, Duke competed in the 1924 Olympics in Paris, France and won silver in the 100-meter freestyle. He was slightly edged out by his teammate, 22-year-old Johnny Weissmuller, who broke Duke’s world record by swimming the 100-meter freestyle in 58.6 seconds. Eight years later, at 42 years old, Duke was an alternate for the U.S. water polo team at the Los Angeles, California 1932 Olympic Games.