Grassroots to Greatness | Hannan calls time on Coaching Career

From grassroots to greatness, Sharon Hannan’s coaching career has been defined by passion and results. Over 40 years after finding her feet athletics, she steps away from coaching with a lasting legacy and memories for a lifetime.

Hannan’s coaching career may have reached the pinnacle of sport as the coach of Olympic champion and athletics icon Sally Pearson, but it started in a small town near Cairns in 1983 – building an athletics community from the ground up for kids in the area.

“It wasn’t just about athletics, it was about bringing people together, building relationships, and giving kids and families a place to belong," Hannan said.

“I’ve always been the glue in my family, looking out for others and making sure everyone was okay. I think that carried into my coaching – it’s about creating that same safe and supportive environment.”

Operating a squad of sprinters and hurdlers on the Gold Coast led by two-time Olympian Liz Clay in recent years, Hannan and her husband Peter have had a direct impact on emerging talents within Australia, as well as sharing their knowledge and experience as coach educators and mentors to the next generation.

"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,” Hannan said.

“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.”

From Far North Queensland to the Olympic stage, Hannan has developed a wealth of knowledge from her holistic experience in athletics – holding one key principle above all else in her coaching endeavours.

"I encourage athletes to be very good human beings. You know, gratefulness, empathy, consideration – all those life skills so they can be the best version of themselves. That’s what I see as one of the key characteristics of successful coaches,” Hannan said.

"It’s about showing people that they’re not alone in the world, whether it’s athletes leaving home for the first time or coaches struggling with a tough decision. When you build that sense of connection, you give people the confidence to grow and succeed, knowing they’ve got someone in their corner."

Recognised as an Athletics Australia Life Member, Hannan reflects fondly on her time in the sport as she prepares to return to where it all started Far North Queensland, where she will only ever be a phone call away from those she helped shape over so many years.

“It’s the people I’ve worked with and the communities we’ve built together that mean the most to me,” Hannan said.

Hannan was coach to Olympic champion Sally Pearson, two-time Olympian Liz Clay, a Mentor in various Athletics Australia programs and a key leader in athletics communities in Queensland.

By Lachlan Moorhouse, Athletics Australia
Posted 27/11/2024