Keo Nakama
Keo Nakama (May 21, 1920 – September 8, 2011) was an American swimmer.
Nakama was born in the town of Puʻunene, Hawaii on the island of Maui.[1] His swimming career included a world record 20:29 in the mile swim, Big Ten Conference titles at Ohio State, and numerous national and international victories. The outbreak of World War II prevented his competing in an Olympic Games: Nakama was at his peak from 1940 to 1944. He was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1975.[1]
Nakama is best known for swimming from the island of Molokai to Oahu in Hawai'i, at 40 years of age. In September 1961, he crossed the dangerous 27-mile Ka Iwi Channel in 15 ½ hours; he was the first person to verifiably accomplish this feat.
Nakama was later elected to the Hawaii State House of Representatives, where he served for five terms until 1974.[2] He died in Honolulu at the age of 91.[1]
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[edit] References
- ^ a b c Loomis, Ilima (September 8, 2011), "‘Pioneer in swimming’ Nakama dies at 91: Maui native overcame adversity to set records", The Maui News, http://www.mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/553538/-Pioneer-in-swimming---Nakama-dies-at-91.html?nav=10
- ^ "Flags at half-staff in honor of Nakama", Hawaii 24/7, September 30, 2011, http://www.hawaii247.com/2011/09/30/flags-at-half-staff-in-honor-of-nakama/1
