Interview with Nitro aka Mark Foster

Congratulations on your performance at the National Championships last month, were you surprised by your performance?

Very. I have only been swimming once or twice a week, sometimes once a month, so I was really surprised by how fast I swam. But I went there to win. When you are standing on the blocks you have to think to yourself, ‘I am going to beat everyone’. I love the challenge of beating people against all odds.

From what you say, it sounds like you had barely trained, is this true?

Yes, pretty much so. I jump in the pool, do 500m warm up, 8 one length sprints and then I’m out. I have trained for so many years that the technique, will and passion will always be inside me. Some people over train and don’t give their muscle fibres time to recover. I like to make sure I am well rested before a meet.

What has prompted this comeback to swimming?

At the Commonwealth Games last year I said that was my last race. But I enjoy being in shape and have been active for so many years; I enjoy going to the gym as much as being in the pool. I realised how lucky I am to be an athlete and do something for a living that I love so much. Sport used to be a young persons profession but with the likes of Kelly Holmes and Steve Redgrave achieving success in their 30’s, it has opened the doors for older athletes to continue. I was coaching Katy Sexton for the meet and thought I may as well enter. There was no pressure on me to do it; I think that’s why I did so well. I always wanted to carry on as I wasn’t pleased with my performance at the Commonwealth Games. I thought to myself, ‘let’s give it one more shot!’

Despite your extensive collection of medals, an Olympic one has always eluded you. Are you hoping to change this pattern in Beijing next year?

My focus will be on the World Short Course. I want to get back in the water and train properly. I will not be thinking about Beijing next year. I would never say never, but I want to focus on the short course for now. It would be great to end my career on a high note.

Do you ever really intend to retire or should we expect to see you at London 2012?

You never know…

What made you decide to retire last April?

A combination of things; I didn’t make it to Athens in 2004 and at my sixth Commonwealth Games in Melbourne I put my back out. This was the worst injury of my career. I looked at these events as a sign to step down from competition. I figured I had had a good innings and it was time to have a different focus. But part of me always wanted to do one more international meet, hence my return to swimming!

How did you first get in to swimming?

When I was growing up, my father couldn’t swim, he still can’t. He was determined that his children would be confident and safe in the water so we went for swimming lessons. I was a good all round sportsman as a child but when I won the National Championships at age 11, I realised swimming was the way I had to go.

You were first selected for the GB team in 1985, has swimming changed since then?

Immensely. From my point of view, I have gone from being the youngest person on the team, to being the oldest. In the 1980’s and 90’s the GB team was made up of people from all over the UK. Now it is mainly made up of people from Loughborough and Bath, smaller clubs struggle. Swimming as an industry has become much more professional. When I was younger only a few swimmers were sponsored, now the majority receive funding from the National Lottery. It makes life much easier.

You were also good at athletics, football and tennis as a youngster; do you still have time for other sports these days?

No I don’t. I got a swimming scholarship at 13 and they didn’t want me to do other sports in case I got injured, which is understandable. I trained my body to be a swimmer and that’s what I am.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I like to play golf and spend time with my two dogs, George and Em. I enjoy doing all the normal things that everyone does, watching films, listening to music, catching up with friends. I love being outside in the sunshine.

What tips do you have for young swimmers?

Enjoy what you do, whatever it may be. That is what will make you a success. You have to be passionate about what you do.