Born: 1965 (Adelaide, South Australia)
Biography:
Kerri Ann Pottharst OAM (born 25 June 1965) is an Australian former professional beach volleyball player and Olympic gold medallist. Pottharst was born in Adelaide, South Australia, and currently resides in Sydney. In addition to her previous volleyball commitments, Pottharst is an accomplished speaker, MC, and presenter. She runs corporate team-building programs and commentates Indoor and Beach Volleyball. She also founded The Athlete Story – a speaker training business.
Pottharst’s sporting career began in 1982 when she started playing indoor volleyball. By 1990, she was recognized as one of the best volleyball players in Australia. However, a serious knee injury in 1992 forced her off the hard court and led her to transition to beach volleyball.
Pottharst then partnered with Natalie Cook and together they represented Australia at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996, winning a bronze medal. This marked the very first time that beach volleyball had been included as an Olympic sport. In the same year, the pair also won a silver medal at the world championships and came first in the World Tour Event in Japan.
After taking a break in their partnership, Cook and Pottharst reunited in time for the Sydney Olympics. Before the games, they finished third in the World Tour Events in France and Portugal. At the Sydney Olympics, the pair dominated the competition and ultimately took home the gold medal. Their victory not only solidified their status as Olympic champions but also left a lasting impact on women’s sports in Australia.
In the aftermath of their Olympic win, Cook and Pottharst were awarded the Order of Australia, Australia’s highest honor. This recognition highlighted their tremendous contribution to the sport and their exceptional achievements on the international stage. Furthermore, Cook and Pottharst were included in the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball’s Team of the Decade, cementing their legacy in the world of beach volleyball.
Despite retiring after the 2000 Olympics, Pottharst decided to come out of retirement and return to competition. However, her career was ultimately cut short due to a career-ending knee injury. Throughout her career, Pottharst consistently ranked within the top 10 in international beach volleyball events and rarely fell outside of the top six in worldwide beach volleyball statistics.
Beyond her athletic achievements, Pottharst has also showcased her versatility by appearing on the Nine Network’s TV reality show Celebrity Circus in 2005. In this show, she trained with stars of Australia’s Silvers Circus, further proving her dedication to pushing boundaries and trying new experiences.
Kerri Pottharst’s journey not only demonstrates her incredible talent and resilience as an athlete but also serves as a source of inspiration to future generations of female athletes. Her influence on the sport of beach volleyball, particularly in Australia, cannot be understated. From her early successes in indoor volleyball to her groundbreaking achievements in beach volleyball, Pottharst has left an indelible mark on women’s sports, making her an iconic figure in women’s history.
Awards:
– Olympic gold medalist (Sydney Olympics, 2000)
– Olympic bronze medalist (Atlanta Olympics, 1996)
– Silver medalist at the World Championships (1996)
– Winner of the World Tour Event in Japan (1996)
– Recipient of the Order of Australia, Australia’s highest honor