Foster insists age is no barrier

MARK FOSTER is determined to prove that age will never weary him - with a little inspiration from close friend David James.

St Neots swimmer, Foster, cheered on the England goalkeeper as he helped Pompey lift the FA Cup at Wembley last weekend.

And the 37-year old - who will be appearing at his fifth Olympics in Beijing - is determined to follow his lead later this summer.

 

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"We're good mates and David proves what you can achieve if you are determined and dedicated - no matter how old you are," said Foster.

"We've got quite a bit in common, although he gets paid a bit more than me! We often talk about diet and training regimes and making sure our competition mindset is right.

"There's not a private bet about who will go on the longest but I think we're both getting better with age and long may it continue."

Foster's qualification for the 50m freestyle in Beijing underlined a work ethic that has long been admired.

His outspoken nature has often landed him in deep water - but age also appears to have mellowed the sprint specialist.

"I'm ancient but I still love what I'm doing," he adds.

"I get aches and pains but the mind is willing and so is the body. I'm old enough to be a Dad to most of the team. The average age of the swimming squad is 22 - without me it would be a lot less."

Foster's last Olympics were the Sydney Games in 2000 - which represented a new nadir for Britain's swimmers.

Tipped for a medal, he finished seventh - the team returned without a single podium place, prompting one wag to joke: "at least no-one drowned."

However, Foster believes his team-mates have never had a better chance to finally lay that ghost to rest.

"We've five great medal chances - the 4x200m freestyle relay girls, Liam Tancock, Rebecca Adlington, Jemma Lowe and David Davies.

"I look at the team and I've never felt more upbeat - they look almost fearless."

JAMES TONEY