Profiling: Natalie Coughlin
Height: 5-8
Age: 24
Hometown:
Vallejo, Ca.

American Records:
100m free (53.99); 200m back (2:08.53); 400m free relay (3:36.39).

World Records:
100m backstroke (59.58); 800m free relay (7:53.42).

At Last Duel:
Finished 1st in the 100m, the 100m butterfly and as a member of the 400m free relay.

Background:
One of the most accomplished swimmers on Team USA’s roster, Natalie won five medals at last year’s Olympic Games in Athens – two gold, two silver and a bronze. She might be best known as the first and only woman to break a minute in the 100m backstroke, but she’s also an accomplished freestyler as well, holding the American record in the 100 free. She also led off the world record-breaking, gold medal-winning 800m free relay in Athens with a time that would have won the gold medal in the women’s 200m free. At this summer’s World Championships in Montreal, Natalie will swim the 100m back, the 100m free and on the 400m free relay.

Quote:
“I’m really excited about this year’s Duel in the Pool. For me, it’s a fun opportunity to match myself against some of the best swimmers in the world – it’s a great challenge. The long-standing rivalry with Australia motivates everyone on the U.S. team to come together, work hard and support each other. I’m looking forward to competing and contributing some solid performances to the team.”