Twin sisters Chloe and Sophie Coutts, whose journey with the both the Western Mustangs Cross Country and Track & Field teams helped make history this past season, are now competing at FISU World University Summer Games as part of the Canadian team. With Canadian national titles in both sports, the Coutts sisters show what's possible when passion meets purpose.

Chloe and Sophie's running story began in Grade 2, when their elementary school offered Cross Country as one of the only sports available to younger students. With their dad stepping in as a volunteer coach, the foundation was set; not only for a love of running, but for a shared journey that continues to shape who they are today as student-athletes.


Pictured: Chloe and Sophie Coutts (front middle) at U SPORTS Track & Field National Competition with other teammates

"Cross Country was one of the only sports offered to younger kids at our school, so Chloe and I joined together," Sophie recalls. "With our dad coaching, it became a family thing - and that's really where it all started."

Now entering their fifth and final season with the Mustangs, Chloe and Sophie have grown into fierce competitors and dependable leaders. They compete in Cross Country (8km) and specialize in middle-distance events on the track, ranging from the 800m to 3000m, with the 1500m as their specialty. Over the past four years, their consistency and competitive edge have been key assets to the teams.

This past season marked a historic moment for the program, as Mustangs women captured national championships in both Cross Country and Track & Field - an achievement that was years in the making. For the Coutts sisters, it was the culmination of hard work, shared goals, and a deep sense of team pride.

"The most memorable part was celebrating both national titles with our teammates. It was an incredible moment for all of us - years of hard work and belief finally paying off" Sophie explained.

As identical twins competing in the same events, attending the same classes, and living out parallel student-athlete lives, Chloe and Sophie have developed a dynamic that's as motivating as it is unique. Their competitive spirit is grounded in mutual respect and genuine friendship.

"We are also best friends," Sophia says. "Being on the same team means we always have someone to push us - in workouts, in races, and even in class. It's a rare and special thing to experience this journey together."

Beyond their individual performances, the sisters have stepped into leadership roles within the women's distance team—fostering an environment that's both supportive and driven. As veterans of the program, they take pride in mentoring younger teammates and creating a positive team culture.

"We always try to foster a fun and supportive environment with the women's distance team," says Sophie. "As one of the older girls on the team now, I try to be a mentor and pass on my experiences to help set the younger girls up for success."

Balancing a dual degree in Medical Sciences and Business at the Ivey Business School alongside varsity sport is no small feat. Chloe and Sophie credit their success to strong time management, staying organized, and learning to prioritize recovery when it matters most.

"Balancing academics and athletics is definitely a challenge," Sophie shares. "For me, time management is crucial. It's about being intentional with my schedule and giving myself grace. Sometimes prioritizing recovery and sleep over a few marks can make a bigger difference in the long run."


Pictured: Sophie Coutts (#5) running in competition against runners from other schools

The school's academic reputation drove the decision to attend Western, the opportunity to pursue a dual degree at Ivey, and the connection they felt with the coaching staff. "I chose Western because of its strong academics, the ability to get a dual degree with Ivey, and the amazing coaches," says Chloe.


Pictured: Chloe Coutts (#1) running in competition against runners from other schools

Outside of sport, they enjoy getting involved with their programs and extra-curriculars like the Ivey Health Sector Club, which allows them to connect with peers and explore their interests beyond the classroom.

Currently at the FISU World University Games in in Bochum, Germany, competing with the Canadian Track & Field team, Sophie Coutts ran to a personal best of 2:05.04 in the women's 800m on July 22, 2025 to qualify for the semi-finals. Chloe Coutts is also on Canada's roster.
 
The second day of FISU Athletics competition also saw top 12 finishes from some other Mustangs who are on the Canadian team:

• Vivian Ogor - who qualified for the semi-finals in the women's 100m on the opening day of competition - dropped her time in all three races of the event. The U SPORTS National Champion and school record holder in the 60m ran 11.70 in her opening race on Tuesday to qualify for the final, six tenths of a second faster than her round one time. In an extremely fast final, she blazed to seventh overall in a time of 11.65.  
• Western teammate Liv Sands finished eighth overall in the shot put final, with her best toss coming on attempt three, 15.96m.
• And Favour Okpali - who broke a 41-year Mustangs venue record this past year in the 600m – surged ahead of Marlie Viljoen of South Africa in the closing 100 metres to punch her ticket to the women's 400m final in a time of 52.84 seconds in the semis.  Welcome to the FISU World University Games 2025

As the Coutts sisters head into their final season, Chloe and Sophie are focused on finishing strong, grateful for the memories they've made and the teammates who've supported them along the way.

"Overcoming adversity and learning to trust the process has been a big part of my journey," says Sophie. "What made this season so rewarding was doing it alongside an incredible team. Sharing these accomplishments with teammates who have supported each other through the highs and lows has made it truly special."

Congratulations to Sophie and Chloe on an incredible year; we will continue to cheer for them at FISU 2025 and beyond.