| The battle to Beijing - Why high jump star is serving up cappuccinos |
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By DAVID RICCIO The Sunday Telegraph May 27, 2007 WHEN Australia's most promising high jumper should be training for next year's Olympics, she's busy serving cappuccinos instead. Claire Mallett, 22, lives with her parents but still needs to work two jobs in a gutsy bid to fulfil her dream. "I need the money to buy the equipment that I need, like shoes and my clothing," she said. "You should get a new pair of shoes every season but the ones that I've just finished with, I've had for three seasons. "I'm definitely not doing high jump for the money. I do it for the love of it and the dream of competing in Beijing." Mallett just missed a bronze medal at last year's Commonwealth Games in Melbourne. At the time, the Cronulla local was fitting training in between serving cappuccinos and designing business cards. "Ahead of the meet, I didn't know what was going to happen," she said. I was amazed I jumped as well as I did. "The height I missed would've been a personal best of 1.88metres." Life is just as hectic today. "I train on the track, at the beach or in the gym six days of the week ... but largely it depends if I have to work," she said. "I'm working as a freelance graphic designer from home, supporting myself that way. I have to pursue work because I'm not guaranteed any money from athletics." Mallett's "understanding" bosses have made it possible for her to continue her Beijing dream. "It's hard to hold up a job when you're also trying to train," she said. "But knowing I could fulfil my dream is what will get me there." |