Featured Coach: Shannon Lum

Shannon Lum is the Head Coach of On Track Sydney, based in the Hill's District of Sydney. He has established himself as one of the country's most successful development coaches, fostering the participation and success of athletes from Primary School right up to Open Nationals.

Shannon was kind enough to share a little about about his journey and what he's learnt along the way. 

How and when did you first get involved in athletics?

As a junior I competed in cross country. My parents were distance runners. More recently I’ve been involved with the Hills senior athletics although coaching the juniors in the Hills district doesn’t allow me to race myself as much as I’d like to.

"I focus on inclusivity, where all runners are treated equally, and supporting each other is a core value"

 What or who inspired you to start coaching?

At age 19, I was coaching division 1 Under 11s soccer. Making champion of champions watching my side play the best sides in NSW was a real buzz. I really enjoyed working with junior players and getting the best out of them. 30 years on I'm still in contact with these players.

What are your objectives as a squad?

Currently we have just on 50 in our squad. We concentrate on middle distance but first and foremost is culture. I focus on inclusivity, where all runners are treated equally, & supporting each other is a core value. We have national runners in our squad, and they assist in leading our younger athletes. Of course, athlete improvement is important but working on getting them to believe in themselves as quick as possible is where it all starts. Confidence brings the improvements.

What has been your proudest moment as a coach / how did you achieve it?

I’ve had some really good moments, getting your first nationals’ podium is up there. But to be honest, it's watching athletes that have previously joined us just because they love running. Seeing them go from struggling to finish in the top 5 at school carnivals to making nationals is incredible. When you watch them grow in confidence and ride that journey with them; you can’t beat that feeling the day it happens.

What motivates/inspires you to continue coaching?

Simple, two things for me:

1. I want them running in 30 years, and
2. They leave me as a better person.

How have you worked with other coaches in your club to get the best results for your athletes?

I work closely with Michelle Riley and Steve Whelan of the Hills District Athletics Club. Michelle looks after our junior sprint sessions, and I wouldn’t use anybody else.

Who has provided mentoring and/or support to you as a coach in your journey? How has this improved your experience as a coach?

I’ve been lucky enough to have been coached by some world class athletes and coaches over many years. The best is a kiwi triathlete in Gina Crawford. Awesome coach who’s shown me one thing - you can have all the data on show you like, but at the end of the day you can’t beat hard work.

Have you been involved in developing younger/newer coaches? How have you found that experience?

I’ve allowed my juniors to take sessions in my absence with guidance. I love seeing this, again it’s confidence building. I’ve got some good coaches in the making that’s for certain.

What final advice would you give to developing coaches – what lessons have you learnt from your experience?

Respect other coaches, you can learn the good and the bad listening to them. Back yourself and your training methods. And never give a session you wouldn’t do yourself.

As August's Coach of the Month, Shannon will receive a Team Australia cap, one free year of membership, and be in the running for this season's Community Coach of the Year award to be announced on July 31, 2024.