RIO 2016: Five-time Olympian Natalie Cook has been appointed to the 2016 Australian Olympic Team as a member of the Athlete Services Team.

The Sydney 2000 beach volleyball gold medallist said it will be a great honour to head to her sixth Games.

“The Olympic dream started when I was eight years old. Who would have known I would have gone to five Olympic Games and I’m now very honoured to go to my sixth as a member of the Athlete Services,” Cook said.

Chef de Mission Kitty Chiller said Cook will be a great addition to the Athlete Services team, working in the Athletes Village to provide a performance focussed, respectful and caring environment for all our athletes.

“Nat of course has incredible experience not only at the Olympic Games but also in Rio, having competed there many times during her career.

“Since retiring after London, Nat has remained closely involved with the Olympic movement, in Queensland and also as recent appointee to the World Olympians Association. Her commitment to, and efforts and passion for, the Olympic movement are tireless. Nat has also been a great contributor to our IGNITE series as MC and guest speaker and she is currently on the road with us for the ASPIRE series."

Cook started her Olympic career with a bronze medal at Atlanta in 1996 with Kerri Pottharst. The pair then reached the top of the podium in front of 10,000 fans in Bondi Beach at Sydney 2000. After Pottharst retired Cook finished fourth in Atlanta with Nicole Sanderson and in Beijing and London played with former indoor player Tamsin Hinchley. 

AOC