“Akebono” Chad Rowan

July 5th, 2009 kNuke

Chad Rowan was born May 8, 1969 in Waimanalo, Hawaii.  Rowan relocated to Japan early in 1988, joining the Azumazeki stable.  He made his sumo debut under the name Akebono in March 1988.  On January 27, 1993, Akebono became the first ever foreign born wrestler to reach Yokozuna, the highest rank in sumo.

Akebono retired from sumo after 13 years with a record of 566-198, winning 11 tournaments, which ranks 7th All-time.

Hawaii Athletes Status: Alii, 2009

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Duke Kahanamoku

June 10th, 2009 kNuke

Duke Kahanamoku was born August 24, 1890 in Honolulu, Hawaii, the first of nine siblings.  He is best known as the “Father of modern Surfing” and winner of five Olympic swimming medals.  He was the first person to be inducted into both the Swimming Hall of Fame and the Surfing Hall of Fame.  Also, he is a member of the US Olympic Hall of Fame.

In the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, Kahanamoku won the gold medal in the 100m freestyle and the silver in the 4×200m relay. World War I canceled the 1916 Olympics, but during the 1920 Antwerp Olympics, he won gold medals in both the 100m freestyle and the 4×200m relay. He won his last medal in the 100m freestyle, finishing second in the 1924 Paris Olympics.

Kahanamoku travelled around the globe, delighting crowds with swimming and surfing exhibitions.  Many people believe that these exhibitions were the main cause for increased popularity with modern surfing.

Duke Kahanamoku has a statue located on Kuhio Beach in Waikiki.

Medal Breakdown:
1912 – Gold, 100m freestyle
1912 – Silver, 4×200m relay
1920 – Gold, 100m freestyle
1920 – Gold, 4×200m relay
1924 – Silver, 100m freestyle

Hawaii Athletes Status: Alii, 2009

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