Cook grew up in a sporting family – her father was a veteran-category runner while her older sister Jenny represented Australia at the 1972 Summer Olympics and set a long-standing national record in the 1500 metres.

[5] Cook broke a series of world records which were later recognised by the International Association of Athletics Federations.

She completed the 20 kilometres race walk in 1:41:42 hours in 1980 to knock over a minute and a half off the previous mark set by Thorill Gylder.

Her last record stood for only ten days at which point her national rival Sally Pierson bettered the time.

[6] She won thirteen national titles at the Australian Athletics Championships, taking wins from 3000 m up to the 20 km walk.