Barista gets shot at Olympic glory

JOHN SELKIRK/The Dominion Post

FULL OF BEANS: Julianne Frith won't be in line for a medal, but aims to set a personal best for making the most coffees at the Games.

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Barista Julianne Frith is off to Beijing so Kiwi athletes can pause for a coffee while chasing gold medal glory.

Ms Frith, an award-winning barista, was chosen by an interview board comprising former Kiwi Olympians Hamish Carter and Robyn Wong, Commonwealth Games competitor Dallas Seymour and Beijing chef de mission Dave Currie. Her spot in the Games team will ensure athletes, support staff and visitors to the New Zealand village can enjoy a decent cuppa - and all the tea in China will not compensate for a decent caffeine fix.

Though she won't be in line to take home any medals, Miss Frith, 21, believes she should get one for making the most coffees. "I'm going to try to keep count of how many coffees I make. I will probably count up the stacks of takeaway cups at the end of each day."

She expects to make about 500 coffees a day at the village and to work "hard-out" hours. "Now that it's getting closer I am getting a bit nervous."

She is looking forward to mixing work with travel. "Hopefully I will get a day off to go sightseeing with the other support team members."

Auckland University of Technology nutrition professor Elaine Rush thinks coffee could also prove crucial to athletes seeking an extra lift, but she says it depends on the person as it gives some a good boost, but does nothing for others.

- © Fairfax NZ News