Beach volleyball legend appointed to Australian Olympic Committee team for Rio 2016

Natalie Cook has been appointed to the AOC's Athlete Services Team for Rio 2016 ©Getty Images

Sydney 2000 gold medallist Natalie Cook has been handed a role by the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) ahead of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

The beach volleyball star is set to work in the AOC’s Athlete Services Team throughout the duration of the Games, where she will be based in the Athletes Village and tasked with providing a performance focused, respectful and caring environment for members of the squad.

The 40-year-old is set to bring vast experience to the team, having become the first Australian woman to compete at five Olympic Games at London 2012.

Her career highlight came in front of a 10,000 strong home crowd at Bondi Beach when she triumphed alongside Kerri Pottharst at Sydney 2000, with the pairing having improved on their bronze medal four-years earlier at Atlanta 1996.

“The Olympic dream started when I was eight years old,” said Cook.

“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.”

After retiring following London 2012, Cook has remained involved within the Olympic Movement and was elected to the World Olympians Association (WOA) Board as a representative of the Oceania region.

Natalie Cook represented Australia at five Olympic Games ©Getty Images

Additionally, Cook has contributed to the AOC’s IGNITE series, which seeks to inspire the country’s athletes in the build-up to the Games.

“Nat of course has incredible experience, not only at the Olympic Games but also in Rio, having competed there many times during her career,” said Kitty Chiller, the AOC’s Chef de Mission for Rio 2016.

“Since retiring after London, Nat has remained closely involved with the Olympic movement in Queensland and also as a 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."