Mark Foster, the former world champion swimmer turned BBC commentator, has opened up about his early career struggles, coming out as gay, and the turning point that saved his swimming career. In a recent interview, Foster recalled working multiple jobs after his first Olympics and feeling that his swimming career was over.
Early life and discovery of speed
Born in Billericay, Essex, in 1970, Foster grew up in a calm and organised household. His mother was the driving force behind his early ambition, waking at 5am to take him to training. At age six, after watching the film Jaws, Foster's fear of a shark in the pool turned him into a sprinter, shaping his future as an elite athlete.
Foster described himself as a naughty child, often in trouble. He admitted to a brief pyromaniac phase, including setting fire to a toilet roll at school at age 10, which made him realise he had gone too far.
Struggles with sexuality and school
Growing up, Foster received subliminal messages that being gay was bad. He recalled watching Thunderball with his sisters and commenting that Sean Connery was good-looking, which shocked them. At 13, he earned a scholarship to Millfield School, but struggled without his mother's support and felt low on confidence during his teenage years. He eventually left Millfield after falling out with the coach and was later expelled from Kelly College for his behaviour.
Despite his rebellious nature, Foster succeeded in swimming. At 15, he won the British Championships and broke the British 50m freestyle record. The press nicknamed him 'The Punk Upstart' due to his two earrings and tattoo of an English rose and Olympic rings.
Crossroads after Seoul 1988
After his first Olympics in Seoul in 1988, Foster worked as a courier, groundsman, lifeguard, and glazier, thinking his swimming career was over. He continued to swim every morning but felt stuck. At 21, he met his first boyfriend Vince, who offered to support him for a year so he could focus on swimming. This safety net was a massive turning point, providing stability and love.
Strictly Come Dancing and coming out
In 2008, after retiring, Foster participated in Strictly Come Dancing. He enjoyed the experience but faced press scrutiny about his private life, which he found scary. He had already come out to his mother in the 1990s, who initially asked what she did wrong and worried about grandchildren, but soon accepted him. Foster feared that coming out publicly would lead to friends disowning him or sponsors dropping him.
Life after coming out
As he approached 50, the constant vigilance of living a secret life became too draining. In 2017, he spoke to the press and was relieved to find no one turned their back on him. Now 56, Foster enjoys sweets and chocolate, exercises for enjoyment, and no longer takes life seriously. He still works as a BBC commentator for major sporting events.
