Mark Foster, the former world champion swimmer turned BBC commentator, has opened up about his life in and out of the pool in a new memoir. From a childhood fear of sharks sparked by the film Jaws to the double life he led before coming out publicly at age 47, Foster shares the highs and lows of his remarkable journey.
Early Life and a Jaws Epiphany
Born in Billericay, Essex, in 1970, Foster grew up in a calm household with his mother as the driving force behind his early ambition. Every morning, she would wake at 5am to prepare his breakfast and drive him to the pool by 5.30am. His love of sport came from her.
At age six, after watching Jaws, Foster became convinced that a killer shark could emerge from the pool's grate. This traumatic but motivating thought turned him into a sprinter, shaping his elite career. He recalls, 'Even though I knew Jaws was a fake shark, my imagination went into overdrive every time I got into the pool.'
Struggles with Identity and a Naughty Streak
Foster describes himself as hugely energetic, competitive, and often naughty. He explains that his mischief was partly a cover for his sexuality: 'For a long time I thought: if I’m the naughty boy, people aren’t going to notice that I’m also gay.' This led to a brief pyromaniac phase, culminating in setting fire to a toilet roll at school at age 10, scorching a wall. He stopped after that incident.
Growing up, every message about being gay was negative. He recalls watching Thunderball with his sisters and commenting that Sean Connery was 'good-looking.' Their shocked reaction made him realise his feelings would be difficult to navigate.
Boarding School, Rebellion, and Early Success
At 13, Foster won a scholarship to Millfield School in Somerset, known for producing elite athletes. Without his mother's structure, he struggled with responsibility and homesickness, while his parents were separating. He later left Millfield after a fallout with a coach and was expelled from his next school, Kelly College, for his behaviour. Despite this, he won the British Championships at 15 and broke the British 50m freestyle record.
The press dubbed him 'The Punk Upstart' for his two earrings and a tattoo of an English rose and Olympic rings. He says, 'I was essentially a bit of a lad.'
Crossroads and a Turning Point
After his first Olympics in Seoul in 1988, Foster felt his swimming career was over. He worked as a courier, groundsman, lifeguard, and double-glazing fitter while still swimming each morning. At 21, he met his first boyfriend, Vince, who offered to support him for a year so he could focus on swimming. 'That safety net put my career back on track, gave me opportunity and stability, and love. It was a massive turning point,' Foster says.
Strictly Come Dancing and Coming Out
In 2008, after retiring, Foster joined Strictly Come Dancing. The press scrutiny forced him to confront his private life. He came out to his mother in the 1990s, who initially asked, 'What did I do wrong?' and worried about grandchildren, but accepted him within 10 minutes. However, he remained closeted publicly until 2017, when he spoke to the press at age 47. 'No one dropped me; no one turned their back on me. It was a huge relief,' he says.
Life at 56
Now 56, Foster enjoys sweets and chocolate, is known as 'Shandy Pants' among golf buddies for his low alcohol tolerance, and exercises for enjoyment rather than extreme training. He reflects, 'Life in general is less chaotic than it used to be. All that’s the same is that I still don’t take life seriously. Hopefully, I never will.'
