326. Gold medallist and 5-time Olympian, Natalie Cook OAM OLY, on how to out-think the opposition, and why it takes an ecosystem to win a gold medal

The Inner Chief

“Amateurs do it until they get it right; professionals do it until they can't get it wrong.”

In this episode of The Inner Chief podcast, I speak to Natalie Cook OAM OLY on how to out-think the competition, and why it takes an ecosystem to win a gold medal.

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Nat is a five-time Olympian, Gold and Bronze Medallist in beach volleyball, representing Australia in the Summer Olympics between 1996 and 2012.

A passionate athlete advocate, Nat has always been a champion of the transformational power of sport and the life lessons learnt pursuing your dreams.

Her trademark authenticity, energy and ease, combined with her success as both an elite athlete and influential business leader, make Nat a powerful motivational speaker and strategic sports and wellbeing advisor.

Serving as a Director of Brisbane 2032, Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee, and holding a position on the World Olympians Association Board, Nat is a firm believer in the Games' potential to create enduring legacies for individuals, businesses, and society as a whole.

In this episode we talk about:

✅ The ecosystem of things required to go right for the eventual winning of a gold medal

✅ How, in competition, she used the metaphor of attacking the opposition from the top of the hill

✅ The mindsets and mind techniques she learnt being an elite full-time athlete, including how to make the crowd work for you

✅ Working with a former Chief Maker guest, Dr Jeff Spencer, on adjusting to life after an Olympics, and

✅ The incredible work she is doing behind the scenes to support not only Brisbane 2032 but also prospective Australian athletes striving to make the Games.

Deal hope,

Greg

Connecting with Natalie Cook OAM OLY

You can connect with Nat via LinkedIn, her website and Aussie Athlete Fund.

Books and resources

• $1 Million Challenge - Aussie Athlete Fund launch video

• The Art of War - by Sun Tzu

• Way of the Peaceful Warrior - by Dan Millman

Similar Episodes on high performance sport

• Dr Jeff Spencer, The man behind 40+ Olympic gold medals and Tiger Woods on Building your champion mindset and your pathway to your potential with the Olympic champion maker

• Leah Amico, Triple US Olympic Team Gold Medallist on How to build a GOLD standard, boosting confidence and empathetic teamwork

• Ben Darwin, Co-Founder and Director of GAIN LINE on Cohesion analytics, understanding versus skill, and sacking staff too soon

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