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Kerri Pottharst and Natalie Cook open up about their Olympic return

The Aussie duo are hitting new heights.
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Having spent the past two decades in each other’s pockets, there are not many life moments that Kerri Pottharst and Natalie Cook haven’t shared.

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They’ve won Olympic gold together, travelled the world with one another, and also raised their families side-by-side. Now, they will be reuniting at the launch of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games later this month.

Kerri Pottharst and Natalie Cook
The duo were ranked third in the world when they clinched gold at Sydney 2000. (Credit: Supplied)

“Nat’s parents call me their other daughter. We’re family, there’s no doubt about it,” Kerri tells New Idea.

Natalie adds: “It’s why we’re like sisters – when you go through that together, nothing can rock the relationship.”

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Kerri will be at the Games as part of Channel Nine’s commentary team, while Natalie’s there for her role in the World Olympians Association. When they’re not working, they say they’ll be itching to meet up for a croissant and to watch some of the world’s best athletes in action.

It’s been 24 years since Natalie and Kerri’s own iconic win in Sydney 2000’s beach volleyball final. Surrounded by a 10,000-strong crowd at Bondi Beach, the duo cemented themselves in Australian sporting history with their triumphant 2-0 victory against Brazil.

“To be handed the gold medal on that day was like, wow, this is the pinnacle of an athlete’s career,” Natalie, from Brisbane, says.

“We probably weren’t the best technically, but we complemented each other. No one was going to beat us … we believed we were going to win.”

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Kerri Pottharst and Natalie Cook
Winning at Sydney 2000 in front of their friends and family “made it even more special,” says Natalie. (Credit: Getty)

That winning date of September 25 continues to be sacred for the pair.

“For the first 10 years, Nat always made sure she came [down] and we’d have breakfast or lunch at Bondi Beach,” Kerri, who lives on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, says. “We’d crack open a bottle of champagne, take photos, and reflect.

“One year I went with my son Tyson and we made Olympic rings out of wet sand. Out of 24 years, I think I’ve only missed it once.”

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Kerri Pottharst and Natalie Cook
“We wanted the medal to inspire others,” the firm friends say. (Credit: Getty)

Yet the duo say they are most proud of the moments prior to their golden glory.

“The mental strength we had, and the belief that we built has given me way more than standing on the podium did,” Kerri says.

“It’s helped us both with our coaching and mentoring – we wanted the medal to inspire others.”

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Natalie adds: “We have this really deep appreciation for what the both of us have been through – separately with our families, and then together.”

Since retiring from beach volleyball, Kerri has become one of the sport’s leading commentators and champions young talent through her program The Athlete Story.

Kerri Pottharst and Natalie Cook
Natalie’s taking her family to Paris where Kerri will be commentating. (Credit: Supplied)

Natalie, who serves as a Director of the Brisbane 2032 Games Organising Committee, also supports athletes through the Aussie Athlete Fund.

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“My advice to athletes is just to enjoy the experience,” Natalie says.

“You may only go once – the fact that Kerri went to three, and I went to five is quite unique. Give it your best performance and milk it for all it’s worth.”

Natalie also can’t wait for her young daughter Jordan to see the Olympic and Paralympic events. Her wife, Canadian beach volleyballer Sarah Maxwell, will also join them in France.

“We almost have a ticket a day to something … she’s going to be her school’s unofficial Games reporter,” Natalie says.

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“She’s going to do a little special on each sport we go and see!”

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