Profiles - Staff

Coaches within the club are often retired gymnasts or gymnasts who are still competition but at a senior level. Five Dock Gymnastics supports coaches by helping them to achieve recognised coaching qualifications. Coaches are encouraged to achieve, or be working to achieve, Level 1 coaching accreditations. All senior coaches have a valid first aid certificate.

Gymnastic Coordinator

Kate Peninton

Kate has been a member of FDLC Gymnastics since the centre first opened in 1991. Kate begun in the Recreation program and moved through the competitive levels program before becoming a WAG/MAG Judge and giving it all up to land in the Gymnastics Coordinator role in 2001.

Five Dock Gymnastic Coaches

Senior Coaches

Peter Hassan – Head Coach

Peter is a Level 2 WAG Coach and an FIG Judge, which allows him  to judge internationally.

Peter has been a gymnastics coach and judge for over 35 years.  In that time he has also  been involved in the administration of gymnastics at regional, state and national levels. In NSW he has been extensively involved in the education of judges and coaches.

Peter has been Head Coach at FDLC since January 2009.

Lauren Hannaford – WAG Coach

Lauren has also been a long running member starting at the centre in the International Elite program in 1991. Lauren went on to compete for FDLC in elite before the program was disbanded and Lauren moved to State Sports Centre, until returning to FDLC to compete under the National Program. Lauren went on to become the National Vault Champion in 2001 & 2002 and runner up in 2003. Lauren holds her Level 1 WAG Accreditation.

Briohny Griffin – WAG Coach

Briohny started in our club many years ago and after moving interstate returned to FDLC to begin coaching in 2002. Briohny is a Level 3 WAG Judge and is currently obtaining her Level 2 WAG Accreditation. Briohny has travelled the world to see many international competitions.

Mathieu Caranobe – MAG Coach

Mathieu is on a working holiday from his home in France. There he began as a gymnast with his twin brother, Ben Caranobe (who won Bronze at the 2008 Beijing Olympics). He will be helping out with our MAG program and are extremely pleased to have his experience and knowledge of the sport within our club.

Harry Stacey – MAG Coach

Harry started his gymnastics career at FDLC and was picked to train at the NSW Institute of Sport in Homebush within a year of competing for our club along with his brother, Declan, who is still currently training Level 10. Harry went on to compete up to Level 10 at National and International Levels. After retiring from the sport, Harry joined FDLC to continue his love of the sport through coaching. Harry has just completed his Level 1 MAG Accreditation.