World Gymnastics Champion Now Makes Specialty Coffee in Beijing

Ever walked into a tiny coffee shop and wondered who’s behind the bar — and whether they’ve done anything more interesting than pull espresso? In Beijing’s old Drum Tower district, a former world gymnastics champion now crafts coffee, blending athletic discipline with barista precision. But how did a national athlete end up roasting beans and pulling shots in a quiet Beijing alley?

Zhang Hongtao, former world gymnastics champion on the pommel horse, is now a working coffee roaster and barista at A.omen, a specialty coffee shop he co-owns with his wife in Beijing. Together, they serve hand-brewed coffee, including a signature 'champion special' drink, and aim to roast their own beans in-house soon.

From Gymnast to Barista: A Surprising Career Shift

Zhang Hongtao trained in gymnastics from age four and became China’s world champion on the pommel horse. But after retiring from the national team, he found himself increasingly drawn to coffee. "I started with instant coffee from the supermarket," he recalls. "Later, I tried Starbucks and Costa, then traveled abroad and noticed how much better coffee tasted outside China. That’s when I got curious."

His journey into specialty coffee began with frustration — he couldn’t replicate a decent cappuccino or latte at home using capsules. He started reading books, taking courses, and experimenting with pour-over, hand grinders, and eventually single-origin beans. "I went from pod coffee to drippers to wanting to understand roast profiles and origin flavors," he says. His goal now? Become a skilled coffee roaster. "Roasting decides a bean’s flavor in seconds," he explains. "I’m learning from a mentor now, and hope to roast in our own shop soon."

How a Coffee Class Brought Love — and a Business

Zhang met his future wife, Yu Meili, on a coffee course in Beijing. She was an automation engineering student from Beijing with no initial interest in coffee. "I signed up for a coffee class before I’d even tried coffee," she admits. "But I found it fascinating. I even traveled to Shanghai just to visit a coffee expo."

Their courtship played out over shared coffee trips and gym stories. Zhang once impressed her with an impromptu gymnastics move — a side flip — during a stroll in a shaded plaza. "He pulled off a flip and grabbed my hand and ran,” Yu laughs. “It felt like something out of a movie."

The couple married in May 2014. Their shared passion for coffee eventually led them to open A.omen in an old alley near the Drum Tower. "We found this place by chance while walking around," Zhang says. "There was a ‘for rent’ sign outside a small space next to a lottery shop. We loved the vibe — quiet, central, with old folks sitting outside in the sun."

A.omen: A Coffee Shop with Championship Spirit

A.omen is a compact, sunlit cafe with minimal decor, large windows, and a welcoming atmosphere. The couple designed the space for comfort and ease — no pretension, just good coffee. "We want people to feel relaxed here," Zhang says.

Zhang still trains occasionally with his former gymnastics coaches, who now visit A.omen for coffee. "They say my coffee’s really good," he says with a laugh. His signature "Champion Special" is a playful nod to his past — though the exact recipe remains a closely guarded secret among regulars.

Yu, a self-described detail-oriented Virgo, keeps the coffee quality high. "Even when he makes a small mistake, I’ll let him know," she says. She pushes him to improve constantly, and he’s embraced the challenge. "She’s way more professional than me," he admits. "I’m learning every day."

The couple plans to begin in-house roasting soon. "Brewing is one thing, but roasting lets you control the entire flavor," Zhang explains. For now, he uses self-roasted beans selectively, aiming to expand that part of the menu. "Every cup we serve, we want it to be something we’d want to drink ourselves," Yu adds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Zhang Hongtao, the coffee shop owner?

Zhang Hongtao is a former world gymnastics champion on the pommel horse. He represented China internationally before retiring to pursue a career in specialty coffee. He now co-owns A.omen, a coffee shop in Beijing, where he serves as a barista and is learning to roast coffee.

What is A.omen, and where is it located?

A.omen is a specialty coffee shop co-owned by former gymnast Zhang Hongtao and his wife Yu Meili. It’s located in a small alley near the old Drum Tower in Beijing. The shop serves hand-brewed coffee, including a signature 'Champion Special' drink, and aims to offer in-house roasted beans in the future.

How did Zhang Hongtao get into coffee?

Zhang discovered specialty coffee after traveling abroad and noticing the better quality compared to what was available in China. He began experimenting with brewing methods like pour-over and hand grinders, then moved on to studying roast profiles, origins, and eventually training under a mentor to become a coffee roaster.

What’s the story behind Zhang and Yu Meili’s relationship?

Zhang and Yu met on a coffee course in Beijing. Despite their different backgrounds — Zhang a retired gymnast, Yu an automation engineering student — they bonded over shared outings and coffee. Their relationship grew through small moments, including Zhang doing a spontaneous flip for Yu, leading to marriage in 2014.

Does A.omen roast its own coffee?

Not yet, but they plan to. Zhang is currently learning to roast under a mentor and hopes to start in-house roasting soon. Currently, some of their coffee is self-roasted, and they aim to expand that offering to give customers a fully in-house coffee experience.

What’s the 'Champion Special' drink at A.omen?

The 'Champion Special' is a signature drink at A.omen inspired by Zhang’s gymnastics background. The exact recipe is a secret, known only to regulars, but it’s part of the quirky, personal touch that defines the shop’s charm.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Gym-to-Cafe Brews

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