Born: 1975 (Townsville, Queensland)
Biography:
Natalie Louise Cook OAM OLY is an Australian professional beach volleyball player and Olympic gold medalist. She has made a significant impact in the world of beach volleyball and became the first Australian woman to compete at five Olympic Games.
Born on January 19, 1975, in Townsville, Queensland, Cook displayed exceptional academic abilities and was the dux of her school, Corinda State High, located in the western suburbs of Brisbane. Amidst her pursuit of a medical degree, she discovered her passion for volleyball and went on to captain the Australian Indoor Junior Team in 1992. However, it was in 1993 that she began playing beach volleyball, a decision that would shape her future.
In 1994, Cook took a leap of faith and turned professional, forsaking her medical aspirations. This decision would prove to be the beginning of a successful and trailblazing career in beach volleyball. Her partnership with Kerri Pottharst at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996 resulted in a historic bronze medal. It was the first time beach volleyball had been included as an Olympic sport.
The duo continued their success, winning a silver medal at the world championships that same year and securing first place in the World Tour Event held in Japan. However, they did not play together again until the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. Their exceptional performance earned them a gold medal, and they became national heroes. In recognition of their achievement, Cook and Pottharst were awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia. They were also honored by the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball, being included in the Team of the Decade.
Following Pottharst’s retirement after the Sydney Olympics, Cook formed a new partnership with Nicole Sanderson. Together, they won a bronze medal at the 2003 Beach Volleyball World Championships in Rio de Janeiro and climbed to fourth place in the world rankings by the end of the 2003 world tour. This success led to their selection to represent Australia at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Despite a promising start, they finished out of medal contention, facing defeat against formidable teams from Brazil and the United States.
For the 2008 Summer Olympics, Cook teamed up with Tamsin Barnett and finished fifth overall. This marked her fifth and final Olympic appearance, a remarkable feat that solidified her place in history. On August 1, 2012, Cook’s illustrious beach volleyball career came to an end with her elimination from the London Games.
Outside of her sporting achievements, Cook is married to fellow beach volleyball player Sarah Maxwell and currently resides in Brisbane. In addition, she has found success as a leading motivational speaker on the public speaking circuit, sharing her experiences and inspiring others. Cook has also established her own beach volleyball-related business, Sandstorm.
Natalie Cook’s determination, talent, and groundbreaking achievements have not only left a lasting impact on the world of beach volleyball but have also paved the way for future generations of Australian female athletes. Her contributions to women’s sports and her inspirational story make her a true role model and an icon of Australian sporting history.
Awards:
– Olympic gold medalist (2000 Summer Olympics)
– Olympic bronze medalist (1996 Summer Olympics)
– Silver medal at the World Championships (1996)
– Medal of the Order of Australia (2000)
– Fédération Internationale de Volleyball’s Team of the Decade inclusion