Yoshi Oyakawa

Yoshi Oyakawa, born on August 9, 1933, in Kona, Hawaii, is a distinguished American former competition swimmer and teacher. He is celebrated for his remarkable achievements in the sport, including being a 1952 Olympic champion and a former world record-holder in the 100-meter backstroke. Oyakawa is recognized as the last of the great 'straight-arm-pull' backstrokers, a technique in which he still holds the world record.

Raised in Papaikou, Oyakawa was the youngest of three siblings, with an older sister, Dorothy, and an older brother, Ensie Michio. His early swimming experiences likely took place in Pake Pond, a local spot in Papaikou. He began his formal education at Kalanianaole High School in East Honolulu, which was later known as Kalani High School, before transferring to Hilo High School.

Oyakawa's competitive swimming career took off in 1948 when he joined the Hilo Aquatic Club under the guidance of Coach Charles Kiyoishi 'Sparky' Kawamoto. He quickly made a name for himself, winning his first Hawaiian 100-meter AAU backstroke championship in 1950 and successfully defending his title in 1951. His impressive time of one minute and seven point five seconds in the 100-meter backstroke at the 1951 Hawaiian AAU meet was the fastest in America that year in a long course pool.