Karen was born 16 September 1952 in Kimberley, where she began swimming wih coach Frank Gray at age 9. Three years later, on 10 August 1965 - aged 12, she became the youngest person ever to set a world record in swimming. She set a further 14 world records, before retiring in 1970.

Ann was a contemporary and probably a role model of the legendary Karen Muir, although three years older. In 1963 Ann Fairlie became the youngest swimmer to win Springbok colours at age 13, and in 1966 she set three world records in the 100/110 backstroke. Karen Muir was eclipse her in all of these achievements, but together they dominated women's backstroke.

East London swimmers Jonty and 1977 SA 100 freestyle champion Greg Carswell.  In 1976 Jonty set a world record for the 100m freestyle. His time of 49,44 beat US swimmer Jim Montgomery's Olympic gold medal winning swim at the 1976 Games of 49,99 - just six weeks after the Olympics. His record stood for 5 years.