Some day Lyndie Irons will tell her son, Axel, about how his dad, world champion surfer Andy, was ushered into his rightful place among Hawaii’s greatest sports legends.
And about how Axel, just 16 months old, was in the room at Honolulu Country Club for Andy’s induction to the Hawaii Sports Hall of Fame.
It’s a perfect example of the Hall’s mission, which so many speakers articulated Tuesday night at the annual enshrinement. Olympic judo silver medalist and Hall member Kevin Asano said it succinctly during the invocation: “To create a legacy for the youth.”
The newest inductees are watermen Irons, Samuel Kahanamoku and George Downing.
Irons won three consecutive Association of Surfing Professionals world championships. He died in 2010 at age 32. Lyndie, and Andy’s parents, represented him.
Kahanamoku won a bronze medal in the 100-meter freestyle in the 1924 Olympics. Sam, the younger brother of Duke Kahanamoku, died in 1966. He was represented at the induction by his granddaughter, Patricia Kahanamoku Teruya.
Downing is a big-wave surfing legend, surfboard design pioneer and ocean preservation advocate.
On the surface, water is the common bond of this year’s class. But, as Downing said, there is more, something to which everyone in the room could relate.
“I just believe in the happiness sports brings families and competitors,” he said. “Especially here in Hawaii, because Hawaii is a special place.”
It’s rare to see children at this event, but Axel Irons was the youngest in the room by just five months. There was also Hall member Robyn Ah Mow-Santos’ daughter, Jream, 21 months.
Master of ceremonies Rodney Tam encouraged attendees to bring keiki to the event in the future — after all, the Hall of Fame is for them to learn about Hawaii’s sports history and to draw inspiration.
“A kid might say, ‘I’m only 5 feet 6. But look at Tommy Kono. He’s a world champion. That’s something I can strive for,’ ” Tam said.
Gov. Neil Abercrombie mentioned how the Hall of Famers’ example of “a dedication of heart” sets a standard for youngsters to strive toward.
Kahanamoku Teruya recounted how her grandfather could have won the biggest race of his life, but slowed toward the end because his older brother Duke was behind him. Duke ended up second and Sam third. “It was always about having respect for one another,” she said.
There was a moment of silence for two members who died in the past year; boxing trainer Al Silva and one of his most accomplished fighters, Andy Ganigan. As usual, the room was full of Hawaii sports legends, including Rockne Freitas, Bobby Lee, Les Murakami, Dave Shoji and Bill Smith.
Soccer pioneer Jack Sullivan finds himself in awe of his fellow Hall of Famers every year.
“I always get here first, at 5 o’clock, and walk around the grounds,” the 2005 inductee said. “It’s such a thrill to meet these guys, see that they’re still around. Everyone recognizes them for the things they did at the top of their game. And the ones who are no longer with us, they’re here in spirit.”
Lyndie Irons agreed. She said Andy was here.
“And he’s stoked.”
