John Coutts (swimmer)

John William Coutts (born 14 August 1955) is a former New Zealand swimmer.

John Coutts

Personal information
Birth name	John William Coutts
Born	(1955-08-14) 14 August 1955 (age 70) Marton, New Zealand
Sport
Country	New Zealand
Sport	Swimming
Medal record Men's Swimming Representing  New Zealand Commonwealth Games 1974 Christchurch 200 m butterfly

Coutts was born in Marton in 1955,^[1] and grew up in Hastings. He received his education at Hastings Central, Hastings Intermediate, and Hastings Boys' High Schools.^[2] Coutts was the first person to swim Cook Strait in both directions.^[2]

Coutts won a bronze medal in the 200 m butterfly at the 1974 British Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, New Zealand.^[3] He competed at the 1975 World Aquatics Championships in Cali, Colombia.^[2] He represented New Zealand at the 1976 Summer Olympics, competing in the 100 m butterfly and 200 m butterfly.^[4]

Coutts was formerly a director of Carlile Swimming, the largest private swimming school in the world,^[2] originally set up by Australian swimming legend Forbes Carlile and his wife Ursula Carlile.^[5]

At age 16, he was voted Hawke's Bay Sportsperson of the Year in 1972. In June 2012, he was inducted into the Hawke's Bay's Sports Hall of Fame.^[2] He is married to Sally, and they have four children. Coutts and his wife live in Australia.^[2]