SWIMMING.

Otago Witness, Issue 3033, 1 May 1912, Page 55

SWIMMING.

It is claimed that in a practice swim at Berkeley (U.S.A.) J. F. Rasleurc, of the State University, made a new American record for the 880 yards event, making it in the remarkable time of 12min 10 l-ssec. The American record is hold by C. M. Daniels, of New York; time 12min 26soc. Resleure ha s but one leg, which makes the feat more remarkable. Duke Kahanamoku, the sensational Hawaiian swimmer, who arrived in San Francisco to try out for the American team to the Olympic games, is a product of the famous W’aikiki beach resort. The Duke is a native-born Hawaiian, just 21 years of age, and a perfect specimen of athlete. Since a mere bov Kahanamoku lias spent most of his days in the sheltered waters off Diamond Head, where, as a surf rider, ho became export in that spirited form of pleasure. As his athletic frame matured with hours of exposure and his daily contact with the surf increased his strength, Kahanamoku mastered the open waters in the vicinity of Honolulu until his phtmomcnal speed proved him a human fish. In July of last year the Hawaiian Branch of the Amateur Athletic Union was organised, and in August the first swimming tournament was Hold under the auspices of that body. All of the courses wore covered in open water and straightaway between the docks at Honolulu. This was Duke I/ahanamoku’s first appearance as a oomp/titoi'. In all three events in which he participated he outdistanced the best of the Hawaiian swimmers by 20 yards, and was limed byi five watches, as follow:—Fifty yards. 24 l-fsec; jOO yards, 55 2-ssec; and 220 yards 2min 43 3-ssoc. Although a native of Porto Rico, Vincent Gcnoves, the Duke’s swimming partner, owes ids development to tlie companionship of the Hawaiian swimmer.