Olympics with the lot, thanks
THE Olympic Games continues for the rest of the week for many athletes - but it has come to an end for Ipswich's Maccas champion Jaide Hunt.
Ms Hunt, the McDonald's Yamanto store supervisor, finished her seven-day stint in the Olympic Village last week after serving her fair share of fries, burgers and drinks.
She took plenty of orders from athletes and came close to serving the now dual Olympic 100m gold medallist, Usain Bolt.
The legendary Jamaican sprinter lined up for a Maccas feed while Ms Hunt was on duty, but unfortunately not at her register.
Ms Hunt said she wasn't the only one to be in awe of Bolt.
"I saw him while I standing at a register serving another athlete. Usain Bolt is his own celebrity. Athletes stopped what they were doing just so they could get a picture with him," she said.
"I didn't get to serve him but was happy I got to see him."
She met another Jamaican athlete, shot putter Dorian Scott.
The 22-year-old said serving the athletes was a surreal experience.
She took the chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at the opening ceremony parade during breaks in her shift.
"I was on a meal break in the staff room, I was watching the parade of the opening ceremony on TV and I remembered I was in the athlete's village and thought why am I watching this on TV?
"I walked outside and could see them walking in their countries' colours.
"There is no words for the experience."
Breaking the language barrier was important during the early shifts with the international crew members and athletes.
"Coming to our first shift we already had a strong bond between the international staff, knowing we are the best in our respective countries and we can all make a Big Mac or fries," Ms Hunt said. "We had to find ways to communicate with each so this meant we had to teach a little English and we were taught a little of their language."
