The Olympic Pools & Fitness Centre. Have Goggles, Will Travel Pool #29

Fantastic historical pool in beautiful Auckland!

Second NZ pool, and really pleased to add this historic pool to the list.

Opened in 1940, The Olympic was New Zealand’s first 50m pool and the location of the 1950 Empire Games (now the Commonwealth Games).

Considering this pool is now 78 years old, it doesn’t show its age (although I later learned it did receive an extensive revamp in 1994).

Adorned with flags (Including the Welsh dragon of Wales), the pool deck has an industrial style, an exciting feel and a look that means business! I hope I can meet the challenge as my recent 50m pool experience is limited, hence the not-so-speedy pace plus, I’ve been given a lift to the pool by my brother Jamie and Sarah, so I have a swim time limit to excuse my short 2k!

Halfway through my swim, I’m suddenly aware of large and dark objects moving across the floor of the deep end! Scuba divers! First time I’ve had to negotiate random clouds of bubbles during a swim!