Bath-based Mark Foster and Marcon Bezzina lead out nations at spectacular Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony
The University of Bath based duo of swimmer Mark Foster and Judo player Marcon Bezzina stepped out in front of 91,000 screaming spectators to lead their contingents into the impressive Bird’s Nest Stadium at yesterday’s Opening Ceremony.
The 38 year old Foster, competes at his fifth Olympic Games flew the flag for Team GB, while Bezzina, who represents Malta for her second consecutive Games had the honour of leading out the Maltese team.
“Walking around the arena was mind-blowing and amazing,” said Foster. “I’ve achieved a lot in my time, but if I don’t win an Olympic medal, doing this tonight will be my Olympic medal. It was an honour first and foremost, but the experience of leading the team out made me really proud. It was brilliant and unbelievably worth it.”
Bezzina becomes the second Team Bath judo athlete at consecutive Games to lead their team after former Team Bath athlete Kate Howey had the honour of bearing the flag for Team GB in Athens four years ago.
Speaking on behalf of Mark’s achievement, Team Bath’s Director of Sport Ged Roddy said “I would like to congratulate Mark on behalf of all the athletes, coaches and staff at Team Bath. We are delighted at Mark receiving this honour. The fact that the position is voted for by all the athletes and team leaders from Team GB across all sports is a measure of the stature of this achievement.”
Foster also had the privilege of bearing the flag for England at the Kuala Lumpur 1998 Commonwealth Games. He previously competed at Seoul 1988, Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000, and will be swimming in the 50m freestyle at Beijing 2008.
He reached the finals of the 50m freestyle at Barcelona and Sydney and has set five world, seven European, nine Commonwealth and 19 British records during a glittering career.
