The 27-year-old’s performance at the 2012 London Games made her one of three Australians who have achieved such a feat at a single Olympics, alongside Ian Thorpe and Shane Gould. Alicia won gold in the women’s 4×100-metre freestyle relay, silver in the 200m individual medley, a bronze in the 100m butterfly, two silvers in 4x200m freestyle relay and 4x100m medley relay. This same year, Alicia also won the Australian Institute of Sport Athlete of the Year Award.
Alicia attended the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi with little to no public attention on her performance, other than that of representing her country at international level. Eclipsing all expectations Alicia became Australia’s most successful individual performer taking home five gold medals and emerging as a world force in swimming and one to be watched closely in the future.
Then 23 years old, Alicia won gold in the 200m individual medley, 100m freestyle and 100m butterfly and was a key member of Australia’s gold medal relay team in the 4 x 100m freestyle and 4 x 100m medley relay. Recording the fastest time ever in a FINA approved textile suit in the 200m individual medley Alicia was chosen to carry the Australian flag at the Commonwealth Games closing ceremony.
Coutts holds two Commonwealth Games records and is in the top 10 all time fastest performers in the 100m Butterfly & 200m IM, and top 25 in the 100m freestyle. As well as recording a personal best time in the 100m freestyle, 200 IM and 100m Butterfly in Delhi, Alicia also posted three short course PBs in the 100/200m freestyle as well as the 100m butterfly.
Alicia is currently an ambassador for Speedo, Invisalign and Audi. Out of the pool, the Canberra-based swimmer is a passionate cat lover – and has worked in the cattery at the RSPCA for four days a week for almost two years.
