Keo Nakama

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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]

References

↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Loomis, Ilima (September 8, 2011), "‘Pioneer in swimming’ Nakama dies at 91: Maui native overcame adversity to set records", The Maui News
↑ "Flags at half-staff in honor of Nakama", Hawaii 24/7, September 30, 2011

External links

Persondata
Name	Nakama, Keo
Alternative names
Short description	American professional swimmer
Date of birth	May 21, 1920
Place of birth
Date of death	September 7, 2011
Place of death

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