This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/10/2004.
In 1914, the young Hawaiian, Duke Kahanamoku, came to Australia with a surfboard that he'd carved from a single log. It was Australia's first introduction to surfing. The sport quickly spread throughout the world and "The Duke" was forever known as the father of surfing. In addition to surfing, Duke was an incredible swimmer and was known for the "Kahanamoku Kick" in which he kicked so fast that the front of his body actually rose out of the water like a speeding boat. He had a storied Olympic career and at the Belgium games in 1920, the thirty-year old won a gold medal for the US team, reestablishing himself as the "worlds fastest swimmer". In addition to surfing, Duke trained American Red Cross volunteers in swim rescue during World War I and revolutionized lifeguarding by using his amazing swimming ability to make several heroic surf rescues. For all his success in the water, Duke struggled with his fame and new responsibilities. He longed for the days of his youth as a carefree beachboy. This swimsuit, which was found in a chest belonging to his mother, is manufactured by the "Moana Hotel Baths" in Honolulu. They manufactured these style suits through the 1920s and mid 1930s. Across the front is the word "Moana", meaning ocean or sea in Hawaiian. As indicated in the attached letter from his family, the suit was given to Duke by the Hotel after winning a swim meet early in his swimming career. The suit appears to be all original, comes with impeccable family provenance in a letter signed by Samuel Kohanamoku III as well as a picture of Duke in the suit.