Sharon Hannan: The Coach Who Built Communities, Not Just Champions
Discover what is important to one of Australia’s most successful athletics coaches of all time, Sharon Hannan.
"It wasn’t just about athletics—it was about bringing people together, building relationships, and giving kids and families a place to belong."
When I discovered that I would have the privilege of speaking with Sharon Hannan, an Olympic and World Champion coach, I couldn’t wait to ask her about the most meaningful moments that defined her remarkable career. I braced for stories of international triumphs, pushing the boundaries of performance, and the grit behind world-class success.
Instead, without skipping a beat, she laughed and said, “Probably when I kickstarted a Little Athletics centre in Cairns because they didn’t have one.”
That comment set the tone for our conversation and revealed what truly fueled one of Australia’s greatest High Performance coaches: a lifelong passion for building community and creating meaningful connections.
A Journey Rooted in Authenticity
Sharon’s entry into the world of athletics coaching is a story of bold initiative and grassroots community building. In 1983, her involvement began not as a former-athlete or sport scientist, but as a parent inspired by her daughter’s enthusiasm for athletics. “I was introduced to athletics because my daughter came home from school with a flyer around April or May 1983. That’s when it all began—her enthusiasm kickstarted my involvement.”
Living in a small town near Cairns at the time, Sharon found that the existing athletics opportunities in the area were limited, especially for younger children. Rather than accepting this, she took action, embodying the community-driven spirit that would define her career.
Recognising the gap, Sharon rallied the Cairns community to establish a Little Athletics centre from the ground up. Despite having no personal background in athletics or any experience in running an athletics club, Sharon called a public meeting. Her initial efforts brought together around 25-30 people, including representatives from a neighbouring amateur athletics club. This meeting marked the beginning of a journey that would shape not just the local athletics scene but Sharon’s future as a world class coach and mentor.
Mobilising Resources and Building Momentum
Launching the new athletics centre was no small feat. The club had no equipment and everything needed to be built from scratch. However, with help from Little Athletics Queensland, Sharon’s new club was able to secure the essential equipment on a deferred payment plan—a lifesaver for a start-up. “We got everything we needed before we even had our first registrations!” Sharon recalled. This support was essential and meant the club was ready to welcome new athletes for the launch of the season.
The new club also wouldn’t have been possible without volunteers. Sharon fondly recalled John Oliver, an Ipswich-based coach and Army officer, who went above and beyond to get the club up and running.
On Leveraging Her Community:
“He had 60 hurdles painted in the club colours and delivered by Army truck! Can you believe that?” she laughed.
Sharon’s resourcefulness extended to securing sponsorships for the donated hurdles, with local businesses and individuals encouraged to make a small donation to ‘adopt’ a hurdle. These hurdles were then marked with their benefactors’ details. Sharon’s own grandmother became the first to sponsor a hurdle through this initiative, underscoring her ability to unite a community behind a shared vision.
A First Day to Remember
The culmination of these efforts came on the club’s opening day, which drew 83 children—an extraordinary turnout for a grassroots initiative. Sharon recalled standing before the crowd of children and families with her committee of five, feeling a mix of pride and awe. For a club born from a simple idea and driven by community spirit, the turnout was a testament to the collective will of everyone involved.
On Launching the New Club:
Despite the excitement, the first day also brought its share of challenges. With no coaching experience, Sharon and her committee faced the daunting task of organising activities for dozens of expectant athletes and parents. Support from neighbouring Little and Senior athletics clubs, including experienced coaches who shared advice and resources, proved invaluable. Sharon herself attended a coaching course shortly after the club’s launch, marking the beginning of her formal coaching journey.
Embracing the Role of a Leader
As the club grew, Sharon found herself increasingly drawn to the role of a coach and community leader. Initially a committee member, she quickly realised that her impact could extend beyond administration and group management. Inspired by the joy and camaraderie she observed among the young athletes, she transitioned into coaching, eager to provide the same sense of belonging and purpose she saw others creating.
On Why She Started Coaching:
“I didn’t want to spend the rest of my time pulling a tape measure through the circle—I wanted to do what everyone else was doing. It just looked like so much more fun!” she recalls.
The Little Athletics centre quickly became a hub of activity, fostering connections not only among athletes but also among families. Parents volunteered their time, friendships formed, and the community began to thrive. Sharon’s leadership created a ripple effect, with the club serving as a model for other communities looking to establish similar initiatives.
Decades later, the club Sharon helped start continues to operate, a living testament to her vision and determination. Reflecting on this achievement, Sharon noted that it wasn’t just about athletics but about building a community where children and families could come together, grow, and support one another. The experience laid the foundation for her future work, instilling in her the values of connection, collaboration, and resilience.
Sharon’s success in starting the Little Athletics centre exemplifies her ability to bring people together and create something greater than the sum of its parts. It was the first of many communities she would build, each one reflecting her belief in the transformative power of shared purpose and collective effort.
Cultivating Lifelong Connections
At the heart of Sharon’s coaching philosophy lies her extraordinary ability to forge meaningful, lasting relationships—not just with her athletes, but with their families, fellow coaches, and the wider athletics community. For Sharon, coaching was never just about technique, physical development, or even performances; it was about creating a network of trust, support, and encouragement that extended well beyond the track.
On the Influences of her Philosophy:
Her compassionate and ‘athlete-centered’ leadership style was shaped by her own experiences growing up. As one of four siblings who faced significant challenges early in life, Sharon often took on a nurturing role within her family. She described herself as “the glue” who stayed close to her grandmother, striving to protect her siblings and foster a sense of stability in difficult circumstances. These formative experiences instilled in Sharon a deep sense of responsibility, empathy, and resilience—qualities that became the cornerstone of her coaching philosophy. This upbringing influenced her belief in creating environments where individuals feel supported, understood, and empowered to thrive.
Building Bonds with Athletes
When we asked Sharon’s athletes to describe their coach, the common thread is that she is deeply committed to nurturing her athletes as individuals, not just as competitors.
“Sharon wasn’t just a coach—she was like a second mum. She cared about every part of my life, not just my performance on the track. She taught me how to be resilient, how to stay grounded, and how to be a better person. Her belief in me helped me believe in myself" one athlete shared.
She believes in fostering a safe and inclusive environment where athletes felt supported both in their athletic pursuits and in their personal lives. This approach often meant going beyond traditional coaching roles. Sharon encouraged athletes to look out for one another, creating a culture where older, more experienced members mentored younger ones and squad members felt a collective responsibility for each other's well-being.
On Establishing Her Community's Values:
Her squads were not simply groups of athletes training together—they were small, interconnected communities where everyone had a role and a sense of belonging.
Connecting Across Generations
Sharon’s influence often extended across generations of athletes and families. Parents, siblings, and extended family members often became part of the athletic community she fostered. For many, Sharon’s squads became a second family, offering emotional and social support during times of challenge or transition.
Her emphasis on connections also encouraged athletes to maintain ties with their home communities even as they moved on to university or elite training programs. Sharon often facilitated these transitions, ensuring that athletes remained connected to her and to their peers, creating a supportive bridge between their past and future. “Like at the University, we took these students in and helped them to find a community…because they’re moving away from home, their friends, their family…we helped them to settle in”.
Mentoring Beyond Athletics
Sharon’s relationship-building extended to her role as a mentor, not only to athletes but also to coaches through Athletics Australia’s High Performance Coach Mentoring Program and members of the wider athletics ecosystem. She described mentoring as a deeply rewarding experience, one that allowed her to guide others while learning from them in turn.
“I certainly enjoy mentoring—it creates that little sense of community. I try to dive a little deeper into their thought processes and get them to explore situations from different perspectives. It’s about building trust and offering a different way of looking at things."
Sharon’s mentoring sessions, whether one-on-one or in group settings, were opportunities to cultivate a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. She approached mentoring as a two-way street, where both mentor and mentee could learn and grow. Her mentees remarked that this encouraged open dialogue and collaboration, helping coaches navigate challenges and develop their own coaching identities.
One of her long-time mentees commented that “Sharon had this incredible way of asking just the right question at the right time. She wouldn’t give you the answers outright, but she’d guide you to find them yourself. I remember once she simply said something along the lines of, ‘What do you think the athlete needs from you right now?’ That simple question reframed everything for me. She made me a better coach by teaching me how to think critically and care deeply."
While Sharon spoke with great pride and warmth about all the coaches she has worked with throughout her journey, she highlighted her long-standing connection with Brendan Mallyon (coach of Peyton Craig) as especially rewarding.
On Working with Brendan:
We’ve always stayed connected. Whether it’s a call once a year or 20 times in a few months, I’ve always tried to be there for him. Seeing him grow into a fantastic coach and leader has been incredibly rewarding."
Fostering Relationships Across the Sporting Community
Sharon’s connections were not confined to her immediate squads or mentees. She made a concerted effort to learn from and collaborate with coaches from other events and sports, believing that diverse perspectives enriched her own understanding of athletics. This openness to collaboration also extended to her work with national and state organisations, where she played a key role in developing programs and fostering networks that connected coaches, athletes, and administrators.
One of her more unique mentoring experiences is with a sailing coach through the AIS mentoring project. Sharon described this coach as "wicked funny," and their sessions often revolve around deep discussions about coaching philosophies and problem-solving strategies.
She admitted with a laugh, “Sometimes I worry we get off topic, but it’s something they wanted to share, or I wanted to share, and it always feels meaningful.”
Despite their different sporting backgrounds, Sharon was able to help the sailing coach explore new perspectives and refine their approach to athlete development. This mentorship highlights Sharon’s adaptability and her knack for fostering meaningful connections, demonstrating that her influence as a mentor transcended the boundaries of track and field.
Her friendships with coaches from other regions and disciplines often led to lifelong bonds, with some of her earliest collaborators maintaining ties with her decades later. For Sharon, these relationships were a vital part of her coaching journey, offering mutual support and shared learning.
On Running Coach Education Courses:
Connections Through Coach Education
As any coach who has come through the accreditation framework in Queensland over the last 25 years knows, Sharon and her husband Peter have played a pivotal role in formal coach education, delivering hundreds of Level 2, 3, and 4 programs across the country.
Sharon approached her role as a coach educator with a deep sense of responsibility, knowing the ripple effect her work could have. For her, these courses were not just about transferring technical knowledge but also about instilling values, fostering critical thinking, and building a sense of community among participants.
“It makes you realise that being a facilitator is more than just running a course. Those relationships go beyond the classroom. It’s about shaping coaches who will go on to shape others—it’s a massive responsibility.”
Among the many highlights of her career as a coach educator, Sharon spoke especially fondly of her involvement in Andrew Iselin’s progression through Level 3 and 4 coaching programs. Reflecting on her connection with Andrew, she said, “I facilitated Andrew’s Level 3 and Level 4, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see how far he’s come. Knowing I had a small hand in shaping his journey and helping him refine his approach to coaching is something I’m really proud of.”
For Sharon, the experience reinforced her belief in the transformative power of education and mentorship. Seeing coaches like Andrew grow into leading figures within the athletics community brought her immense pride and validated her commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders.
Lifelong Lessons in Connection
For Sharon, the connections she cultivated were about much more than professional networking. They were about making people feel valued, supported, and part of something bigger than themselves. Her belief in the power of human connection left an indelible mark on the athletics community and created ripples that extended far beyond her own career.
On Connection:
Sharon’s legacy is woven into the countless lives she touched, demonstrating that true coaching extends far beyond technical expertise. It is about the relationships, the communities, and the enduring sense of belonging that she created wherever she went.
Husband and Coaching Partner: Peter Hannan
Sharon’s partnership with her husband, Peter, has been a cornerstone of her coaching journey. Together, they have supported each other in their shared passion of developing individual athletes, coaches, and entire clubs. Sharon often spoke about the balance and mutual respect in their relationship, with each contributing unique strengths to their work in athletics. Peter’s support not only complemented Sharon’s efforts but also enabled her to extend her influence and reach further within the athletics community.
"He’s the organised one, and I’m the one who flies by the seat of my pants, but somehow it works—it’s like coaching chemistry! Pete’s always been my sounding board. Whether it’s a tough decision or an exciting new idea, he’s the first person I go to. We’ve built so much together, and I couldn’t have done it without him."
Challenges and Values: Defending the Spirit of Athletics
Throughout Sharon’s career, she has faced numerous challenges, many stemming from her commitment to upholding respect and her personal core values. This commitment occasionally put her in difficult positions, requiring her to address conflicts, confront inappropriate behaviours, and maintain a high standard of community principles.
Addressing Parental Pressure and Behaviour
One of the recurring challenges Sharon encountered throughout her career was the growing pressure from overbearing parents who, at times, prioritised their ambitions over their child’s well-being. Sharon found it particularly upsetting when parents attempted to live vicariously through their children or pushed them to perform under undue stress. Reflecting on this, she admitted:
“I wish I had the skills back then to have meaningful conversations with those parents. It upset me to see kids being put under so much pressure. I’ve always believed in keeping the fun in the sport."
In her later years, Sharon sought to address this issue more effectively, advocating for better coach education around managing difficult conversations. She emphasised the need for structured training to help coaches navigate these complex dynamics, ensuring the sport remains a positive experience for all involved.
Confronting Disrespect and Upholding Community Values
For Sharon, building a respectful and inclusive community sometimes meant making tough calls.
“There were times I had to ask people to leave the squad because their behaviour didn’t align with our values. That’s never easy, but it’s important to protect the group,” she said. “As a coach, you have to uphold the values of your community. Sometimes, that means making hard decisions for the greater good."
On another occasion, Sharon faced a particularly volatile situation with an athlete’s support person, whose outburst threatened the safety of her squad. In a display of solidarity, her athletes surrounded her, physically and emotionally shielding her from the confrontation. This incident highlighted the deep trust and mutual respect Sharon had built with her athletes and the lengths they were willing to go to protect the positive environment she had created.
Balancing Firmness with Compassion
While Sharon maintained firm boundaries, she was equally accommodating and compassionate in her approach to creating a harmonious community. She believed in giving individuals opportunities to improve and supported them in finding their place within the group. Her nurturing nature often led her to step in when someone seemed to be struggling, pairing them with others to foster a sense of belonging.
On Her Behavioural Standards:
Upholding the Fun and Spirit of Athletics
A core part of Sharon’s values was preserving the joy and spirit of athletics, especially for young athletes. She recounted running holiday clinics for kids, where the emphasis was on fun and skill development. However, even these events occasionally faced disruption from parents who failed to align with her vision.
"We had one parent at the fence screaming at their child, ‘I’m not paying for you to sit over there and have fun!’ It’s these moments where you realise how important it is to stand firm and show everyone, especially the kids, that this kind of behaviour isn’t tolerated."
Sharon’s unwavering commitment to her values set her apart as a coach who not only developed athletes but also shaped character. Her belief in the power of community and her ability to navigate challenging situations left a lasting impact on the people she worked with. Sharon’s resilience in the face of adversity demonstrated that upholding integrity and fostering a positive culture are essential to the long-term success of any team or organisation.
By holding firm to her principles, Sharon showed that athletics is not just about medals or records—it’s about creating an environment where individuals can grow, thrive, and support one another, on and off the track.
Reflections on a Career of Impact
When asked about her proudest moments, Sharon reflected not on the elite achievements of her athletes but on the communities she built. For her, it was never about the medals.
“It’s the people I’ve worked with and the communities we’ve built together that mean the most to me,’” she said, summing up her incredible journey.
Sharon took immense satisfaction in seeing people come together, often against the odds, to create something lasting and meaningful. Whether it was standing before a group of 83 young athletes on the first day of a new Little Athletics centre, supporting senior athletes to grow and develop as people, or watching a mentee navigate their coaching journey with confidence, her fulfilment came from knowing she had made a difference in the lives of others.
As Sharon starts the process of stepping back from her role as a coach and transitioning into retirement in beautiful far-north Queensland, the athletics world will miss not just a coach but a leader, and unwavering advocate for the power of community. Her story is a testament to the impact of fostering relationships, nurturing talent, and building spaces where everyone can thrive. Her efforts have left an indelible mark on athletics, shaping not just the careers of athletes and coaches but also the lives of families and communities. Sharon’s legacy, woven into the fabric of the sport, serves as a powerful reminder that true success is measured not only in World Championships or Olympic gold medals, but in the lives touched and the communities created.
What We Can All Learn From Sharon
🧑🤝🧑🌱 Focus on Building Good Humans
Sharon emphasised the importance of coaching beyond physical performance by instilling qualities such as gratitude, empathy, and consideration. She believed that helping athletes become better people was as critical as their athletic success.
🤝🏡 Create a Supportive Community
Sharon consistently highlighted the value of fostering a sense of belonging within squads. She encouraged coaches to build environments where athletes and coaches look out for one another, forming tight-knit, supportive communities.
📚✨ Never Stop Learning
Sharon believed strongly in continuous education and growth, both for herself and others. She advocated for curiosity and a willingness to learn from different coaching styles, events, and even other sports.
🗣️🤔 Be Prepared to Navigate Difficult Conversations
Recognising the increasing pressures from parents and external influences, Sharon stressed the need for coaches to develop skills for managing challenging situations while maintaining the athlete’s well-being as the priority.
🤝🎓 Embrace Mentorship and Collaboration
Sharon encouraged coaches to engage in mentorship, both as mentors and mentees. She believed that sharing experiences, asking questions, and collaborating with others could profoundly enhance personal and professional growth.
🏃♂️🎉 Remember the Joy of Sport
Above all, Sharon urged coaches to keep sport fun, especially for younger athletes. She believed this was key to fostering a lifelong love of athletics and ensuring a positive experience for everyone involved.