Sharon Hannan

Athletics Australia High Performance Coach Mentor

Sprints and Hurdles Coach – Gold Coast, Queensland

"Working with other coaches...has been one of my greatest experiences."

1. Why You Want to Be Involved in the Mentoring Program

I am keen to be involved in Athletics Australia’s Mentor Program because of the sheer number of people who have helped me out over the past 37+ years. Most were informal conversations, often with robust discussions. I am concerned about the source of some of the information younger coaches are accessing online. I believe one-on-one discussions with a more experienced coach, who can offer a different perspective on techniques or programs, will assist in developing thoughtful, questioning coaches.

2. What You Can Offer the Mentees

I took Sally Pearson from a 12 ½-year-old to the highest highs of our sport over 14 ½ years. While I knew a lot from Little Athletics, I gained invaluable experience at the senior level throughout that journey. I believe I can offer mentees a wealth of knowledge from that experience and others since then. My background as a mother, and particularly a single mother for many years, helps me relate to a wide range of people and offer various perspectives on different situations.

3. What You Would Like to Gain from Participating in the Program

The satisfaction of knowing I have passed on suggestions, advice, and knowledge is important to me in my quest for succession planning. Equally important is encouraging coaches to reflect on their methods and ask, "Is there a better way?"

Coaching Qualifications

• Athletics Australia accredited Level IV Sprints, Hurdles, and Relays Coach
• Formerly accredited Level IV Young Athlete Coach (now discontinued)

Academic Qualifications

• Started Bachelor of Sport Science (Sports Coaching), later transferred to Business (Sport Management)
• TAFE Certificate in Sports Coaching (1991)

Key Coaching Achievements

Coached sprinters and hurdlers to success at major events, including:

• Multiple Commonwealth Games, World Championships, World Juniors, and Olympic Games
• Numerous Australian representative athletes, including medalists and record-holders
• Coached Sally Pearson (McLellan) to Olympic and World Championship gold

National Team Experience

• Australian Team Coach for multiple international competitions, including the Commonwealth Games, World Championships, and Olympic Games
• Assistant Team Manager for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow
• Papua New Guinea Team Coach for the IPC World Championships and Pacific Games

Mentoring Experience

• High Performance Coach Mentor for Athletics Australia (2022–Current)
• Mentored numerous coaches informally, including Brendan Mallyon, Peter Gentz, and Jackie Gallagher

Leadership (Business) Experience

• Owner/Director and Head Coach of Sports Credentials Pty Ltd (1997–2024)
• Managed the Griffith University Athletics Track and hosted Olympic teams during the Sydney 2000 Olympics
• Ran the successful DownUnder competition for 19 years

Employment History

• 1971–1974: Stenographer and Data Entry Operator for various companies
• 1997–2024: Owner/Director and Head Coach, Sports Credentials Pty Ltd

Mentor Profile: Sharon Hannan | Athletics Australia