Karen Muir Swimming Pool

Built during the 1960s, the Kimberley municipal swimming pool was a 55-yard competition pool that hosted the Springbok swimming team on a number of occasions. Galas were organised by the Griqualand West Swimming Union and attended by sell-out crowds of over 6000 people, who came to support their local hero, Karen Muir. Karen had set a world record for the 110 yards backstroke in 1965, at the tender age of 12. She gained instant international fame as the youngest person to set a senior world record.

American great Don Schollander, Canadian world champion Elaine Tanner, Olympic medallist Cathy Ferguson and French champion Kiki Caron all came to swim  Kimberley during the 1960's. Karen Muir was not allowed to compete against the world's best swimmers at the Olympic Games - so they came to swim against her in her own backyard!

You can find further information about Karen Muir's 18 world records here. 

As the home pool of their world record holder, it was soon officially renamed to the Karen Muir Pool in 1969. The 55-yard length pool features overhead incandescent lights (which had a habit of exploding when wet by rain!).  It was later remodelled to a 50m Olympic length.

It was the venue for the 1974 South African Schools Championships. In 2025, it is the home pool of the Flamingo Aquatics Club.

Registered clubs in the Northern Cape

Flamingo Aquatic Academy  

Good Hope Swimming Club

Penguins

Floors Swimming Club

Prieska Aquatics

Kathu Swimming Club

Jakkies Swimming Club

Upington Swimming Club