Background
Nakama was born in the town of Puʻunene, Hawaii on the island of Maui.
Nakama was born in the town of Puʻunene, Hawaii on the island of Maui.
Ohio State University.
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 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.
Nakama is best known for swimming from the island of Molokai to Oahu in Hawaii, at 40 years of age.
Nakama was later elected to the Hawaii State House of Representatives, where he served for five terms until 1974. He died in Honolulu at the age of 91.