Les Brown Pool, Salisbury
The first swimming bath was a big concrete tank erected in 1901 opposite the Langham Hotel, which was on the corner of what was Manica Road and Moffat Street.
The first public swimming baths were opened in 1915 next to what had been the site of the first power station. When funds were available under the State Lottery scheme for swimming baths in the 1930s, the Olympic size pool was builton the site of the old power station, and the original pool was deepened for diving.
The complex was named Les Brown in 1961 to commemorate the passing of Rhodesia's former swimming champion from the 1920s. Brown's father had been the superintendent of the baths. The pool was 'metricated' in 1970, being shortenend to 50 metres from 55 yards. When the 2.5 cents 'tickey' coin was withdrawn in 1979, the price of entry was reduced to 2 cents.
The South African Aquatic championships were held there in 1948 and 1965.
Harare Amateur Swimming championships begin
November 22, 2024
ALL is set for the Harare Amateur Swimming Senior Championships scheduled to get underway this evening at Les Brown Swimming Pool.
The championships, held over two weekends, will see swimmers from Harare’s seven clubs – Spartans, Vikings, Highlands, Sharks, Otters, Pirates, and Wild Orcas showcasing their talent.
The championships will run over two consecutive weekends, starting this weekend. The first phase will run until Sunday.
Participants will take a short break before the competition resumes on November 29 to December 1.
The age groups participating range from 10 and under to 17 and over.
It serves as a platform for the province to select the team to compete at the National Junior and Senior Championships due to take place early next year.
Spartans are the defending champions.