Duke Kahanamoku

                       Nicole

                        Duke Kahanamoku was the first Asian Pacific American to participate in the Olympics and went on to become a legend for his influence on surfing.  Born in Honolulu, Duke excelled in swimming and went on to break several records.  In 1911 he swam in the Hawaiian Amateur Athletic Union swimming championships.  For the event of the 100 yard freestyle, he broke the existing world record and set a new fastest time.  Unfortunately this feat was not immediately recognized by the AAU who argued against the validity of the conditions the event was held under, brushing it off as being unprofessionally monitored.  Examining their reaction, the Amateur Athletic Union can be seen as exemplifying the attitude of European Americans at the time towards the Asian American cultures.  Their unwillingness to accept Kahanamoku’s feat, is an unwillingness to accept the competency of other cultures and their ability to be equal or superior in some areas.  Kahanamoku’s athletic recognition finally arrived in the 1912 Olympics where he became the first Asian Pacific American participant.  When he attended the Olympics he walked away with a gold medal for the 100 meter freestyle.  Not only did he place first in this event, but set yet another new world record.  Kahanamoku went on to participate and place in other Olympic Games held over the next years, opening the way for other Asian Pacific American athletes.  Besides setting world records and aiding the recognition of Asian American athletes, Duke Kahanamoku’s greatest influence lies in the sport of surfing.  Before his time, surfing was a sport exclusive to Hawaii culturally tied to the history of the Hawaiian natives.  However, on a trip to the mainland (more specifically southern California) in 1912, Kahanamoku brought with him the surfing influence and its popularity caught on.  For his achievement of popularizing surfing not only on the mainland but worldwide, he became recognized as the father of surfing.  His actions played a significant part in spreading a cultural activity that over time became incorporated and accepted as a part of American culture.  It is a good example of pop culture’s ability to transcend cultural boundaries and have an event that both parties can enjoy together.  A world wide trend such as the popularization of surfing avoids cultural exclusion as it is an activity anyone who really wants to, can do.  Over time, Duke Kahanamoku was able to overcome the cultural bias placed on him and got attention of the world in recognizing his talent.