From hating volleyball in high school to Olympic gold, five-time Olympian and straight-talking Aussie legend Nat Cook OAM joins Jen to unpack what it really takes to win, in sport and in life. Nat shares the raw truth about resilience, confidence, and the grind behind the glory, plus life after the Games, the Aussie Athlete Fund, and her vision for Brisbane 2032. This is a conversation about mindset, transition, and legacy, because as Nat says, winning isn’t a score. It’s an attitude.
Links & References:
Connect With Natalie Cook
Website: https://nataliecook.com/
Connect With Jennifer Jefferies
Show Note:
Introductions and Nat’s Sporting Legacy @ 0:00
Jennifer introduces Nat Cook as a 5-time Olympian, gold medalist, and legendary beach volleyball player. Nat reflects on her journey from initially disliking volleyball to becoming one of the fiercest competitors in the sport, and the challenges of wearing revealing uniforms as a young athlete.
Nat’s Unexpected Path to Olympian @ 4:06
Nat shares how she never planned to become a beach volleyballer, but ended up falling in love with the sport after a school trip to Canada where she was exposed to it for the first time. She describes the process of learning and struggling with the sport, and how that ultimately led to her 20-year Olympic career.
The Importance of Resilience @ 6:33
Nat emphasizes the key attribute she developed over her 5 Olympic experiences – resilience. She explains that resilience is not something that can be bought, but rather built through the process of failing, getting back up, and persisting. Nat shares how this mindset has carried over to all areas of her life.
The Financial Challenges of Being an Olympian @ 8:59
Nat discusses the significant financial hardships she faced as an Olympian, having to essentially self-fund her career for 20 years with no sponsorship or support. She describes the process of “door-knocking” and begging for basic necessities like travel, equipment, and medical care in order to compete.
The Aussie Athlete Fund and Nat’s Legacy @ 12:45
Nat has launched the Aussie Athlete Fund to help the next generation of Australian Olympians and Paralympians access the resources they need to pursue their dreams. She is working to leverage her connections and influence to secure funding and support from corporations, governments, and the community to make the athlete experience more sustainable.
Advice for Women in Transition @ 29:45
Nat emphasizes the importance of being compassionate with yourself, especially when transitioning to a new phase of life. She encourages women to embrace adventure, connection, and a winning mindset, while also being willing to step outside their comfort zones. Nat shares insights on how to transfer confidence and skills from one domain to another.
Reflections on the State of the World @ 40:17
Jennifer and Nat have a thoughtful discussion about the current political and social climate, expressing concerns about the rise of authoritarianism and the need for women to continue fighting for their rights and safety. They acknowledge the difficulty of the situation but maintain hope that positive change can emerge from the chaos.