Mark Foster is one of the UK’s most successful competitive swimmers. By the age of fifteen, he was the fastest swimmer in the country. During a career spanning 23 years, Mark won 51 international medals, competed at 5 Olympic Games, held World, European and Commonwealth titles and smashed 8 world records.
In 2008, he carried out the highest honour for a British athlete, as flag bearer at the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games in Beijing, which he cites as one of his proudest moments.
Since retiring from the pool, Mark has forged a successful career as a commentator, TV personality, public speaker, philanthropist, brand ambassador and is a regular player on the Legends Tour Celebrity Series.
Following his participation on Strictly Come Dancing, Mark launched dance/fitness programme FitStepsTM, with dance profesionals, Natalie Lowe and Ian Waite. He also trains and inspires the next generation of competitive swimmers via the Mark Foster Swimming Academy.
A dedicated philanthropist, Mark is patron of Anaphylaxis Campaign and Regain (in support of Tetraplegic athletes). He has also used his public profile to raise awareness for Wellchild, Sports Aid, Movember, The Prostate Cancer Charity and BT Swimathon. Since making the decision to come out in 2017, he is also a spokesperson for the LGBTQ+ community, promoting compassion, equality and inclusion.
