[1][2] Once arriving in the United States, he attended Florida Gators swimming and diving team and swam for coach Gregg Troy, and with the second-most decorated swimmer in Olympic history, Ryan Lochte from 2002 to 2005.

[3] At the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, United States, he swam a 2.17.28 in the prelims of the 200-metre breaststroke to set a new Portuguese record in the event but did not advance to the final.

[5] Stop 2: Malmo At stop number two of the World Cup series, held in Malmö, Sweden, Couto improved upon his placement, this time winning the gold medal in the 200-metre breaststroke with a time of 2.14.98 seconds and sharing the podium with American Travis Myers, gold medalist, and Peter Aronsson, silver medalist.

[6] At the 1997 European Championships held in December 1997 in Seville, Spain, Couto placed fifth in the final, breaking the Portuguese national record with a time of 2.14.90 seconds.

[8] Starting out at the first short course 1999 FINA Swimming World Cup stop in Paris, France, Couto placed 4th in the final in the 100-metre breaststroke set at 1.01.28 seconds.