Coutts keeps retirement at bay

Retirement can wait after Alicia Coutts booked a third Olympic campaign with 200m individual medley gold at the Rio trials in Adelaide.

Coutts, 28, could not hide her relief after finishing more than a second ahead of her nearest rival and fellow qualifier Kotuku Ngawati on Sunday night.

The five-time Olympic medallist clocked two minutes, 09.95 seconds - the third fastest time of the year.

Not bad for someone who almost walked away from the pool just seven months ago.

Struggling with a lingering shoulder injury that sabotaged her 2015 world titles selection shot, Coutts started planning a life away from swimming when she got married last September.

Her coach John Fowlie somehow convinced her not to die wondering after her 2015 world titles trials frustration.

Then her shoulder complaint became manageable.

Suddenly Coutts was back.

"I was so close (to retiring) on a couple of occasions," Coutts said.

"Just to know all the hard work has paid off is a nice feeling."

Coutts refused to get down when she endured another setback, pipped for second spot and automatic Rio selection in the 100m butterfly final at the Adelaide trials.

It ensured her only real chance of a third Games was shining in the 200m IM.

Talk about pressure.

"I was so nervous. I am just glad I didn't give up when it became hard," she said.

"I am glad I persevered. I want to finish on a high."