Hahn hoping tenure behind coaches clipboard helps shot at London
Each week between now and the beginning of the 2012 Olympic Games, AWPI's Road to London series will profile a member of the Aussie Stingers or Aussie Sharks team. This is your chance to get to know the stars of the show a little better.
Hahn during the Water Polo Pan Pacs earlier this year (pic by Anthony Pearse/Pearse Photography)
Sports people often make the transition into coaching as their career unfolds. Water Polo is no exception, whether it be as a full time coach, captain coach or team manager.
It’s not very often though, that this change happens at the start of someone's career, let alone during their quest for Olympic selection.
Current Aussie Sharks squad member, Drummoyne’s John Hahn, is the head coach of Sydney’s Riverview College, and while he is finding out firsthand the stress levels involved, his early tenure into the coaching ranks could be the difference between his ticket to London and a spot on the couch watching.
“I took up the head coaching position at Riverview last year and while I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience let's just say I now understand why our national coach John Fox shaves his head,” Hahn said.
“Coaching is a tough gig and while I might be pulling my hair out at the best of times, I have also found it to be quite rewarding.
“In my role though, I’ve been able to enhance my understanding of playing different team systems, and as it goes with learning, if you are able to teach it you are able to understand it better.”
As Hahn continues his preparation towards London 2012 as part of the 19-man Olympic train on squad, the 23-year-old will look to rely on that knowledge as he aims to cement his spot in John Fox’s team.
Hahn is one of four players vying for two vital goalkeeping positions and the Drummoyne Devils shot-stopper said the next four months will be a very testing period.
“It's great to be part of the Olympic Squad, but I know that all 19 players will be pushing to go that extra step further,” he said.
“My goal along with the other 18 guys and coaching staff is not only to form part of the final Olympic team but to make sure that the playing group we send to London is a genuine medal contender.
“The battle for the keepers is interesting as there’s no doubt we are all quality players and have the ability to perform on our day.
“In the end it will be the two who can prove that they have the ability to consistently perform under any given scenario that are the ones that will come through.
Hahn, whose Drummoyne Devils are currently sitting atop of the National Water Polo League, has been a star for the club during its opening four matches and said further strong performance during the season will be the key to his success.
“I’m just hoping to continue my good form in the national league and the training camps and remain focused on the road ahead, ensuring I prepare myself physically and mentally to the best of my ability,” he said.
“I feel like the national league finals, in particular, will be a great opportunity to achieve this and if I can win a premiership along the way that would be great.
“Obviously, to make the team for London would be unbelievable as it is the highest representative honour in our sport, so the final few months will be the most crucial, and I’m just looking forward to when we are together as a playing group and testing each other to the highest.
The Drummoyne Devils continue their campaign in the NWPL with local derbies against the Balmain Tigers and the Sydney University Lions starting on Friday.
The Aussie Sharks’ will have two more training camps, including one next month in Sydney, before finalising Olympic preparations with the FINA World League preliminaries in May and finals in June.
