Kerri Pottharst
Inducted as a Beach Player 2007
Pottharst was one of the first beach players to embrace a synergetic
approach to training, bringing our sport to a whole new level of
athleticism and professionalism. Pottharst always motivated teammates
and opponents to raise their level of play when she was on the court.
Australia's most decorated indoor and beach
player, Pottharst grabbed a Bronze Medal in beach
volleyball with partner Natalie Cook at the 1996 Summer Games in
Atlanta. The team followed that up with a Gold Medal at the 2000
Olympics in Sydney.
Shortly after the Olympics, Pottharst and Cook were awarded the
Order of Australia, the country’s highest honor. Pottharst competed
at the 2004 Olympics in Athens with partner Summer Lochowicz.
Pottharst has competed in all three Olympics featuring beach volleyball.
One of Australia's most popular sports heroes, Pottharst and Cook
were selected as one of the two "Best Women's Beach Volleyball Teams
of the Last Decade (1990 - 2000)" by the Federation of International
Volleyball (FIVB) as a part of its "20th Century Best" Awards.
She now coaches and mentors.