Natalie Cook OAM OLY

A celebrated Australian beach volleyball player, widely regarded as one of the best to ever play the sport. With a career spanning over two decades, Natalie Cook has been a trailblazer for women in Australian beach volleyball, representing her country in numerous international competitions.

Her most significant achievement came at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, where she won the bronze medal alongside her partner, Kerri Pottharst, in Australia’s first-ever Olympic beach volleyball competition. The duo’s remarkable performance earned them widespread recognition and cemented Cook’s legacy as a leading figure in Australian sport.

Over the course of her career, Natalie accumulated numerous national titles and represented Australia at four Olympic Games (Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, and London 2012). She is also a multiple-time World Championship medalist and an influential ambassador for the sport.

In addition to her sporting success, Natalie is deeply committed to advocacy, including promoting women’s sports and encouraging young athletes to pursue their passions. She has earned a reputation as an inspiring role model and a strong advocate for gender equality in sport.

Natalie’s contributions to Australian sport were recognized with her induction into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 2006 and her appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2004. Today, she continues to be involved in the sport through coaching, mentoring, and public speaking, inspiring the next generation of athletes to follow in her footsteps.