Go Girl…is what Natalie Cook has always done….and continues to do! Natalie Cook is not content with just being a high achiever. She is determined to be the best. At the Olympic Games in Sydney 2000 Natalie was recognised as the best - with Olympic Gold! With four Olympic games under her belt (bikini) and another in her sights, questions remain…will Natalie Cook compete at the London Olympics in 2012 and will she win another Gold?
Natalie feels she has one more Olympic game in her and like all true champions she will take a lot of stopping.
When Natalie’s not training for the Olympic Games, she takes time out to help businesses succeed by teaching them her formula for success. Through key note speeches, group presentations and team exercises Natalie is able to teach your staff the mindset that is needed to make your business number one!
Amongst other achievements Natalie’s is also an author. The book “Go Girl” was published in September 2001 and she has another book on the way. “Go Girl” is an inspirational tale of courage and audacity and offers a very real insight into what makes a true champion tick.
Natalie first started playing beach volleyball in 1993 and turned professional just one year later. She has shared many magic moments in her career with Kerri Pottharst, including three 2001 World Tour podiums and four 4th places.
Natalie joined forces with Nicole Sanderson on their quest for more gold in Athens. After a successful 2003 culminating in a World Championship Bronze medal, Natalie suffered a serious shoulder injury which she carried during 2004. “Expecting to win an Olympic Gold medal with only one arm was my biggest mistake. I really did still believe we could do it”… And they almost did. After damaging her shoulder further she courageously battled to the end, losing narrowly to the USA in the Bronze medal match! Her courage and determination were inspiring to watch and will be placed in history as one of the gutsiest efforts given by an Olympic athlete.
After a successful 2007 with Tamsin Barnett, winning the Korean Open, the pair looked set to achieve their goal of winning GOLD in Beijing. Winning their pool, they built momentum and looked on top of their game. It proved a tough ask with the girls bowing out in the quarter finals to arch rivals Brasil. Nat and Tamsin left Beijing happy with their performance and with a shrug of their shoulders said “that’s sport”.
Is London calling? With 4 Olympic appearances under her belt (bikini), Natalie would love to represent Australia again in 2012. With 16 years of competing at an International level Natalie has until the middle of 2010 before having to make her decision and get back into high level training.
Looking ahead past her active sporting life, Natalie is passionate about the beach sport she loves. "I would like to build up beach volleyball in Australia so that it is one of our high profile sports. Everyone should have the opportunity to play our great sport."
Click here to download Natalie's Bio in PDF
| DOB: | 19/01/75 |
| Place of Birth: | Townsville, Queensland |
| Nationality: | Australian |
| Height: | 181cm |
| Resides: | Brisbane, Queensland, Australia |
| Profession: | Professional beach volleyball athlete |
| Sporting History: | 1996
Olympic Games Bronze medal (Atlanta) 1996 World Championships Bronze medal (Rio de Janeiro) 2000 Olympic Games Gold medal (Sydney) 2003 World Championships Bronze medal (Rio de Janeiro) 2004 Olympic Games 4th place (Athens) 2007 1st Place Korean Open 2008 Olympic Games 5th place (Beijing) |
| Current Playing Partner: | Tamsin Barnett |
| Favourite Food: | Indian |
| Favourite Colour: | GOLD (for obvious reasons) |
| Sporting Heroes: | Michael Jordan and Greg Norman |
| Hobbies: | Golf, reading, and going to the movies |
| Motto: | NO LIMITS and always believe in the power of your dreams! |
| Ten Year Plan: | I am determined to build up the sport of beach volleyball to a new level through my company Sandstorm (www.sandstorm.com.au) and provide opportunities for others through the sport. I see my role on the Athletes commission of the Australian Olympic Committee as very important to the future success of the next generation of Olympians. I am really excited about the possibilities that may present with the AOC. |
Olympic Gold medallist, Natalie Cook, captivates the hearts and minds of her audience with her power, skill and determination. Renowned for “walking on fire” Natalie’s life philosophy of “NO LIMITS” is reflected in her achievements and general attitude to every situation.
During her high school days, she was awarded the highest accolade in both the academic and sporting arena, by being presented with DUX of the school and all-round sportswoman of the year.
In 1992 Natalie pursued university studies in the medical field and captained the Australian Indoor Junior Team. Presented with the opportunity of Olympic Glory, she moved across to the beach discipline in 1994.
1996 was a successful year for Natalie, winning a silver medal at the World Championships in Brazil and making history with the first ever Olympic BRONZE medal for the sport in Atlanta.
After going their separate ways, Natalie and Kerri rejoined to realise their dream and win GOLD on Bondi Beach, against all odds, overcoming an aggressive pair of Brazilians.
Natalie is the only female to have competed in all 4 Olympics, and has won an impressive 11 National titles, she was named team of the decade with Kerri Pottharst in 2000. Natalie has also published her own book – GO GIRL, as well as running her own business - SANDSTORM.
OLYMPICS
1996 - Bronze Medal
2000 - GOLD Medal
2004 - 4th
2008 - 5th
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
1996 - Silver
2003 - Bronze
135 International events played
26 podium finishes
42 final four finishes (as at October 2008)
TEAM OF THE DECADE (with Kerri Pottharst)
11 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP VICTORIES
Nat embodies all that we passionately believe in at Camp Quality; an optimistic attitude, a love of fun and a desire to celebrate life at every opportunity. Her cheeky sense of humour and relaxed approach enables her to quickly build a strong rapport with our kids, parents and supporters alike. Nat has a genuine and selfless desire to bring happiness and laughter into the lives our Camp Quality kids and their families and through her interactions, makes it a little easier for them to face the challenges that cancer brings . We are so very grateful for the support she continues to show Camp Quality year after year.
Camp Quality
