Swimming World Presents “Takeoff To Tokyo: Duke Kahanamoku” – Sponsored by S.R. Smith
Takeoff To Tokyo: Duke Kahanamoku
By John Lohn
As Swimming World continues its “Takeoff to Tokyo” series, a century has passed since Duke Kahanamoku last reigned over the water world, but his name—and merely his first name—remains synonymous with greatness in multiple ways.
Throughout history, single names have been enough to identify some of the most celebrated athletes. Basketball has Wilt and Michael. The Babe is baseball’s most distinguishable persona. Jack and Tiger define golf, while Gordie and Wayne are hockey royalty. In the pool, a guy known as Duke has been an icon for more than a century.
When a list of the greatest swimmers in history is compiled, it’s easy to tab modern-era athletes for inclusion, given the longer durations of their careers and, subsequently, their loftier medal hauls from events such as the Olympic Games and World Championships. But when a fine eye is taken to the history of the sport, it is impossible to overlook Duke Kahanamoku and all he achieved, both as a swimmer and on a surfboard.
This summer not only signifies the return of the Olympic Games to Tokyo, which first served as host in 1964, but it also marks the 100th anniversary of Kahanamoku capturing his second gold medal in the 100 meter freestyle.
Growing up in Hawaii, Kahanamoku was at one with the water from a young age. Whether catching waves on a surfboard or simply swimming, he was naturally comfortable with one of Mother Nature’s gifts to the world. He was so in tune with the water, Kahanamoku was able to move through it like no man ever before.
To access the full story of the legendary Duke’s second gold medal and beyond,
Check out the February issue of Swimming World Magazine, available now!
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017 BREASTSTROKE BARRIER BUSTERS
by David Rieder
The history of the men’s 100 and 200 yard breaststroke has included long stretches of chasing legendary records followed by a shorter period of continuous improvement.
019 LEARNING FROM ADVERSITY
by David Rieder
Minnesota’s Max McHugh was involved in a drive-by shooting last summer, but he believes the incident has left him with a fresh perspective and gratitude for everyday things in his life, including swimming. That approach has fueled his impressive return to the pool.
021 A SENSE OF DÉJÀ VU
by Dan D’Addona and David Rieder
Savannah College of Art and Design (NAIA women), Keiser University (NAIA men) and Indian River State College (NJCAA women and men) appear ready to show the swimming world something it has seen before: repeating as national team champions.
023 THE FIRE INSIDE STILL BURNS
by John Lohn
When discussing the best women’s sprint freestylers heading into this year’s Olympic Games, most frequently mentioned are Australia’s Cate Campbell, Sweden’s Sarah Sjostrom and the USA’s Simone Manuel. But don’t count out triple Olympic champion Ranomi Kromowidjojo of the Netherlands, who feels her best swims are still to come.
025 TAKEOFF TO TOKYO: DUKE
by John Lohn
As Swimming World continues its “Takeoff to Tokyo” series, a century has passed since Duke Kahanamoku last reigned over the water world, but his name—and merely his first name—remains synonymous with greatness in multiple ways.
027 THE SKY IS THE LIMIT
by Dan D’Addona
The future looks bright for junior diver Ashley McCool after transferring to the University of Florida.
COACHING
009 LESSONS WITH THE LEGENDS: CHARLES “RED” SILVIA
by Michael J. Stott
013 SWIMMING TECHNIQUE CONCEPTS: PLAN FOR A BREATHING PATTERN
by Rod Havriluk
Swimmers should plan a breathing pattern prior to each swim to gain the most benefit for both racing and training. The breathing pattern should limit head motion for better focus on technique and also provide sufficient oxygen for better performance.
015 POOR PERFORMANCE… THE NEXT STEP
by Michael J. Stott
At one time or another, disappointment haunts the dreams of even the best swimmers. And often it is the recovery from that disappointment that defines the athlete and, perhaps, the swimmer’s future.
030 SPECIAL SETS: GEORGE HAINES AT WORK
by Michael J. Stott
It never hurts to be a student of the sport. Sometimes that means visiting archival material, be it documents, voices, videos or all of the above to reacquaint ourselves with coaching legends and the methods that made them so effective. Here, Swimming World features the legendary George Haines.
043 Q&A WITH COACH ADAM HOYT
by Michael J. Stott
044 HOW THEY TRAIN ROGER GU AND GRACE GOETCHEUS
by Michael J. Stott
TRAINING
012 DRYSIDE TRAINING: STROKE STRENGTH SERIES—BUTTERFLY
by J.R. Rosania
JUNIOR SWIMMER
040 GOLDMINDS: PARTNERING WITH PARENTS
by Wayne Goldsmith
A simple, but effective strategy for coaches to engage with, connect to and educate the parents of the swimmers on their team is through the development of a “Training Manual for Swimming Parents.”
046 UP & COMERS: ZURI FERGUSON
by Shoshanna Rutemiller
COLUMNS & SPECIAL SECTIONS
007 A VOICE FOR THE SPORT
008 BEYOND THE YARDS
033 2020 SWIM CAMP DIRECTORY
047 GUTTERTALK
048 PARTING SHOT




