RIO 2016: Despite being the world’s largest producer of coffee, finding a decent cup of it in Brazil appears somewhat elusive.

Brazil produces about one-third of all coffee.

But that doesn’t seem to translate into a quality caffeine fix.

We Aussies are definitely spoilt with our choice of coffee back home – whether it be a simple skim cappuccino or an organic espresso with almond milk on ice.

Here in Rio, the best coffee we can get our hands on comes out of a pod machine.

It’s either that or from a coffee vending machine.

At least there’s some human interaction when ordering from the pod machine operator – even if it is a complex game of charades.

So from a soy decaf latte with honey to an espresso we go.

It’s no wonder Australia has flown in two baristas – Daniel Audy and Stuart Mulhern.

Based at The Edge, a home away from home for the Aussie athletes and their families, Audy and Mulhern blend in.

The pair went through a filtration process to be selected. As expected, they are friendly and polite. (There’s no time for “baristatude” here). And they’re proving very popular.

“At the moment we’re making around 150 to 200 coffees a day,” said Audy who works as an operations manager for a coffee company in Sydney’s inner-west.

And as you’d expect from an Aussie barista, they know the regulars’ names and orders.

“The most popular is definitely a flat white; Australian,” adds Audy.

However, it’s a flat white made with long-life milk.

“We know the product can be better. Having fresh produce definitely increases the quality of the coffee by a lot,” admits Audy over the familiar whirring of the coffee machine.

Mulhern, from Brisbane, takes the opportunity to playfully roast the locals.

“Brazilians can grow the coffee beans and export them but they can’t seem to make a decent cup of coffee,” laughs Mulhern.

“We’re pretty happy with what we produce here.”

When asked of the reaction the Aussies visiting The Edge have when they see two baristas behind two real coffee machines covered in athletes' autographs, Mulhern summarises it perfectly.

“Excitement at seeing real coffee,” he grins.

“I’ve heard some horror stories… We’re glad to supply them with some good coffee over here.”

There seems to be plenty of perks when it comes to making coffee for the Olympic Team, not just those generated from a caffeinated buzz.

“We’ve seen a few matches – some volleyball, some basketball,” adds Mulhern.

When it comes to fan moments, both gents concede it was meeting the men’s basketballers that gave them a rush.

“Yeah, Patty Mills is pretty cool,” confesses Mulhern.

“Pretty much all the guys from the basketball team,” agrees Audy.

“I’m a big fan of basketball so when I see them it’s amazing.”

Sophie Onikul
olympics.com.au