Natalie Cook made history as Australia’s first five-time Olympian and beach volleyball medallist, claiming gold on home soil with Kerri Pottharst at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, and bronze at the Atlanta 1996 Games.
Beyond the sand, Nat has continued to break new ground as a highly sought-after motivational speaker, entrepreneur, and leader in both business and sport.
She served for almost 4 years as a Director of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee and is a passionate advocate for athlete financial wellbeing. As the Founder of the Aussie Athlete Fund, Nat is shaping the future for the next generation of athletes – helping aspiring Olympians and Paralympians navigate the financial hurdles of elite competition.
Nat’s impact extends well beyond the sporting arena – her energy and vision inspire individuals, businesses, and communities to set ambitious goals and pursue them with relentless determination.
Before we hear from her, let’s see how good she used to be!
Successes and awards
Order of Australia Medal (2001)
Queensland Great (2024)
Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) Team of the Decade (1990 - 2000) with Kerri Pottharst
Volleyball Hall of Fame (2013 Inductee)
Sports Australia Hall of Fame (2014 Inductee)
Queensland Sports Hall of Fame (2014 Inductee)
5 x OLYmpian (Beach Volleyball) 1996 - 2012
Olympic Medals
1996 Atlanta Bronze Medal
2000 Sydney Gold Medal
World Championships (Beach Volleyball)
1996 Silver Medal
2003 Bronze Medal