Hi guys, Sorry about the delay on the post. Since the Australian comp things have turned a little busy!!! So much to organise before such a huge event such as the WBC, with so many more logistical factors to consider. Things that you dont even need to consider when competing in Australia. Things are on track now and with the clock ticking every second is vital. Thanks to the crema team for the invite onto the forum, its is definatley a great way to keep in the mix of things for the industry. And every issue of the magazine is looking great. A little about me, not that there is much to tell. A couple of years ago I fell into coffee on the Sunshine Coast up in Sunny Qld. I guess its like all of us involved in coffee once your bitten by it you are hooked. I decided to compete back in may of last year just to get out and meet people with the same interest. Competing is a fantastic way of not only meeting other baristas and roasters but for personnal development. Any one who has competed would agree with me. So after my first trip to Melb for the opens, and doing alright considering I scored a zero on my sig drink, i amassed over 600 points (08 score sheets) and came away keen to do better. I spent the next 8 months preparing for the Qld comp 09, and spent up to 25hrs a week everyweek breaking down bit by bit the 15min we have to perform. The qld win was a major goal for the 09 season. So I was using the Aust semis to just enjoy and learn from some of the best in the country. its was a real thrill to rub shoulders with great Baristas like Con, Habib, Zoe, Jesse and the list goes on. So to make the top 5 in Australia and be in the final was an honour, I didnt expect it, not because I doubted my own abilities but more so of the quality of the other baristas around me. Then in the final I gave it everything. I knew if I went in hard anything could happen. Thankfully on that Sunday everything clicked and my coffee peaked at the right time. The toughest part about winning is knowing that other people loose there dreams and goals in order for you to reach your own. I guess that is apart of sports and competitions. For me words can not explain how great that feeling is knowing all the hours spent dosing, tamping, extracting, experimenting, rehearsing and giving up weekends and holidays to training paid off. Really a dream come true. Thanks again to AASCA and all the major sponsors. Cheers Tim
