Maxine Phelan will be "mum" to a family of more than 15 people this weekend.
Ms Phelan and partner Roger Houkamau have "adopted" 15 international athletes taking part in today's Ironman New Zealand event in Taupo.
She will act as a local contact for the competitors andtheir friends, family and supporters.
For Ms Phelan, it's all about the little things that mean so much - like giving competitors directions, helping them to find the best place for a latte or an energy drink, or even just being a drop-off point for bikes while athletes check out the town.
"It's the little things that make such a big difference. I've really enjoyed getting to know them on a personal level."
The couple, who own Santorini's Restaurant and Bar, yesterday held a carbo loading session for their adopted family to prepare them for today's race.
The scheme of adopting international competitors is a Towncentre Taupo initiative to make the athletes feel welcome.
And it's been receiving rave reviews from competitors like Don Eovino from Hawaii.
Emails have been flying between Mr Eovino - who brought a support team of five with him - and the couple over the past few weeks ahead of the competition.
"It makes you feel right at home and takes some of the nerves away," he said.
This weekend's competition has been a long time coming for Mr Eovino, who failed to finish the Kona Ironman more than 20 years ago.
"It's been my goal for 23 years after I didn't finish."
Another of the couple's "adopted" family is Arizona athlete Trent Larson. The 37-year-old has wanted to visit New Zealand since he got into fly-fishing as a teenager.
He said the programme was fantastic for athletes.
"It's nice to know I have that resource, especially since I'm new at travelling abroad."
