Go Girl!  Australian Natalie Cook clearly does just that.  Not content with being a Beach Volleyball achiever at the highest level, no less than an Olympic gold medal, she also writes books.  Natalie's motivational book 'Go Girl" published in September 2001 is described as "an inspirational tale of courage and audacity".  On the cover, Natalie appeals to her readers "Achieve your dreams"; "Unleash your power".  Cook lives by that credo and it has secured her a place in the Olympic annals.

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, Cook pursued university studies in the medical field and captained the Australian Indoor Junior Team.  She first started playing beach in 1993 and turned professional just one year later.  Cook and Pottharst became the first team (men's or women's) to win an Olympic Beach Volleyball medal when they defeated three teams from the United States to capture the bronze medfal at the Atlanta 1996 Games.  After posting a 5-0 mark to win the Sydney 2000 Olympic title, Cook and Pottharst were awarded the Order of Australia, Australia's highest honor.  Cook and Pottharst were also included in the FIVB’s Team of the Decade.

Overall, Cook and Pottharst compiled a 9-1 Olympic match mark with six straight wins.  Cook, who has a 13-4 Olympic match record, is one of 14 players to compete in all Beach Volleyball Olympics.  Cook and Nicole Sanderson finished fourth at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games with a 4-3 record, including a first-round elimination win over Pottharst and Summer Lochowicz.

Cook has teamed with three different partners to win five Australian National Championships, including three with Pottharst (2001, 2002 and 2003), and one each with Sanderson (2004) and Tasmin Barnett (2006).

Favorite Food - Indian

Favorite Color - GOLD (for obvious reasons)

Favorite Sporting Hero - Michael Jordan and Greg Norman

Hobbies - Golf, reading, business and going to the movies

Motto - NO LIMITS and always believe in the power of your dreams!

Ten Year Plan - To win another gold medal, build the sport of Beach Volleyball to a new level through my company, www.sandstorm.com.au and provide opportunities to others through the venture, and to invest in developments so my dad can retire and help me out!

• Volleyball Hall of Fame 2013