University of Bath swimmer Mark Foster rolled back the years by clocking the A qualifying standard for the Beijing Olympics at the British Championships today (Wednesday). 

At 37 Foster is the oldest swimmer competing at the British Championships in Sheffield.
 
But he showed a clean pair of heals to his rivals in the 50m freestyle by clocking the fastest time in the heats yesterday and then winning this morning’s final.
 
He was the only swimmer in the discipline to swim below the Olympic A qualifying time of 22.35, and he did it twice, swimming 22.29 in the heats and then 22.30 in the final.
 
Foster will now be nominated for the GB Olympic team. If he goes to Beijing, when he will be 38,  it will be his fifth Olympic Games.
 
“I’m delighted to come here and qualify for another Olympics,” said Foster. “My preparations have always been geared towards the World Championships and to go to close to my fastest time in no small feat.
 
“I felt so much more relaxed than I did yesterday and I knew today was going to be about being in the race and trying to get to the wall first and that is what I did.”
 
There was also a place on the podium for University of Bath swimmer Matt Tutty, who finished third in the 50m freestyle final. Tutty, who is studying Sports Performance at the University of Bath, recorded at time of 22.46.
 
But Darren Mew missed out on a place eon the podium, finishing fourth in the 100m breaststroke final today (Wednesday). Mew came home in 1:02.50, with gold going to England’s Commonwealth champion, Chris Cook of City of Newcastle.
 
Earlier in the Championships University of Bath swimmer Chris Dart reached the 100m backstroke final, finishing eighth in 57.20 seconds. Former TeamBath swimmer and University of Bath Business Administration graduate Matt Clay took silver in 54.35.
 
The British Championships conclude on Sunday 6th April. The World Championships take place in Beijing next week.
 
The University of Bath has one of the leading university sports departments in the UK. Under its TeamBath brand, its success is based on the expertise and dedication of staff, and its excellent facilities, used by the community and Olympic medal winners alike.
 
 
Members of the media who require further information can contact the TeamBath Press Office at Matchtight Ltd on (01225) 383518 or see the TeamBath website at www.teambath.com

Posted: Wednesday 2nd April 2008