BOUNTY HALL, Trelawny — After having to hurdle early challenges in his culinary training, O’Brien Tingling is now a successful chef, cooking up a storm in kitchens across the globe at major sporting events, including two Olympic Games.

The Bounty Hall, Trelawny, native believes he has emerged stronger as a result of adversity in his early years.

“After finishing Muschett [High School] and realising that I needed a trade I walked from Bounty Hall, through Johnson Hill, to go to Goodwill Training Centre. Because there were other people from this community who inspired us, knowing that you can create a career out of cooking,” a beaming Tingling told the Jamaica Observer.

That is a distance of about 11 kilometres one-way.

“From there sometimes you have to walk it back. You have to make your way to Falmouth and those are the inspiring moments that helped me to be who I am today,” he added.

He recalled the lucky days when he managed to hitch a ride.

“Sometimes, believe it or not, you come down the hill, and there down the hill you have to hop a sugarcane truck and when it reaches Tharpe Street [in Falmouth] and when it gears down, you hop off. Those were the days and those are the special moments that I cherish,” said Tingling.

He did not have permission to name the company where he works, but he could say that in 2008 and 2012 he was one of the culinary directors at the Olympic Games in Beijing and London, respectively.

“I had to plan from the menu creation, partner with supply chains to source all the products, ensuring all the food is cooked according to the recipes because nutrition is important for the athletes. We talk about pre-performance, during performance and post-performance. We have to ensure that we do everything that we can as chefs to deliver best quality food within nutritional guidelines,” he said.

“We have 15,000 athletes, 5,000 officials, 5,000 trainers and managers; plus, we have about 5,000 workforce. So we have to have a lot of staff to make the food come to life for every one of those athletes, it doesn’t matter what country they are from. There are a lot of athletes from a lot of countries and everyone has different nutritional requirements. We have to ensure that when they eat the food they feel like they are back home enjoying those authentic meals,” Tingling explained.

He said his job now takes him around the world, mainly to North America and he and his culinary team have a hand in the menu at many high-profile events such as the Super Bowl, the Indianapolis 500, and the National Basketball Association.

“As a chef we are behind the scenes creating experiences that come to life for the regular guests or the guests up in the private boxes,” Tingling disclosed.

He has also made his mark in the United Kingdom (UK).

“I have helped the company [where he works] to transition major resorts in the UK and those are special moments where you have to work with different cultures to bring food to life. Believe it or not, food is something that is very special that can bond communities and that’s why I am a proud chef,” Tingling said.

Always eager to give back to his community, he is part of the Bounty Hall Old Boys and Girls Group from the Diaspora, which in partnership with Harmony Community Club recently staged an impressive back-to-school treat and fun day for neighbourhood children.

Scores of students were gifted school items in addition to being provided with refreshments and rides throughout the day.

Tingling said he is elated that his performance on the international scene has made his community and country proud and hopes youngsters will be inspired by his accomplishments.

“They don’t have to be a doctor, aspire to be a lawyer, or aspire to be a musician. They can also aspire to be a chef like me. They also can aspire to be a carpenter. Just be the best that they can be. So whatever we can do as old boys and old girls to give back to this community, to make this community great, we will do. I can tell you it’s a great feeling,” Tingling said.

“Being from Bounty Hall, this is my foundation and having the opportunity that this community gave me and the opportunity to work all over the world for a great company where we can influence, whether it be the athletes or any international catering events that we do, it makes me proud,” he added.