Warwick barista Drewe McConville’s once in a lifetime, gold medal experience

When a southwest Queensland man first began working at McDonald’s he never imagined it would see him hold gold at the Paralympics. See what led him to Paris here.

Warwick McDonald's barista Drewe McConville was one of four crew members selected to serve coffee to Australian Paralympians in Paris. Photo: Supplied.

When a spritely 15-year-old first began working at his local McDonald’s, he never imagined his future would lead him to a front-row seat at the 2024 Paralympics.

Now in his early 20s, Southern Downs man Drewe McConville’s successful eight-year career at Warwick McDonald’s has given him unimaginable opportunities.

The barista and department manager was one of four lucky employees selected to spend 21 days in Paris serving McCafe style coffees to Paralympians and their families.

Mr McConville said it was a life-changing experience and one he will never forget.

Warwick McDonald's barista Drewe McConville was one of four crew members selected to serve coffee to Australian Paralympians in Paris. Photo: Supplied.

“I never saw this coming, only a couple of weeks ago I was in rural Warwick making coffee and then I was making coffee in Paris at the Paralympics,” he said.

A chance meeting one evening saw Mr McConville holding Australian Paralympic long jumper Vanessa Low’s gold medal in the palm of his hands.

“I was at the hotel one evening having a drink and I saw Vanessa there with her family, she came over and we were talking when she asked if I had been up close with a medal yet,” he said.

“I told her I hadn’t seen one up close and the next thing I know she’s got her gold medal and she’s putting it in my hand.

“I just sat there in awe for a solid minute just looking at it, the average person just doesn’t hold a gold medal, it’s definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Mr McConville was expecting to make his usual array of cappuccinos, lattes and flat whites, however he was surprised by the number of Paralympians choosing to drink their coffee straight.

McDonald's Australia baristas at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris (from left) Wilson Carabeo, Alyssa Stevens, Shayla Nguyen and Drewe McConville. Photo: Supplied

“I think my craziest order having only worked in Warwick was a Magic which is a Melbourne coffee, it’s a double ristretto topped up with milk,” he said.

It wasn’t all work and no play for Mr McConville who was on his first overseas trip, exploring the highlights of Paris city.

It wasn't all work and no play for Warwick McDonald's barista Drew McConville during his first overseas trip to Paris for the 2024 Paralympics. Photo: Supplied

The flight home turned out to be extra special for Mr McConville who was invited to attend the Qantas breakfast party for the Paralympians and their families when they landed in Sydney.

“It was just a room full of emotion,” he said.

Mr McConville encouraged anyone thinking of applying for a role at their local McDonald’s to give it a go.

“McDonald’s is a great place to work whether it be a first job or a career, they have amazing training, opportunities and you learn amazing skills,” he said.

“I started there eight years ago and worked my way up to become a department manager and then I went to Paris, so there’s always an opportunity there.”

Originally published as Warwick barista Drewe McConville’s once in a lifetime, gold medal experience