Tancock sets world record as Foster zips to fifth Olympics
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Mark Foster drew on his vast experience by refusing to be distracted by the zip popping on his swimsuit just before the final of the 50m freestyle and going on to qualify for his fifth Olympics at the trials in Sheffield yesterday.
In an eventful session which saw three new Commonwealth records set, the zip on the 37-year-old's swimsuit popped seconds before the race and he decided to strip off and compete in the bottoms he had on underneath. He led from the front to touch in 22.30sec, ahead of national record holder Simon Burnett.
"I bent down and the zip popped at the front," he said. "But fortunately I had my old legs on underneath. I am really pleased to get the same time this morning as I did last night because I am not very good in the morning.
"There were lots of distractions. I really believe if things had gone right I could have done my best time and broken the British record."
His qualification for Beijing marks a complete turnaround in his fortunes after he failed to make the Athens Games. Foster announced he would quit international competition after the 2006 Commonwealth Games but he never officially retired and returned last year to qualify for the world short-course championships in Manchester next week.
He has always been reluctant to commit himself to the Games, but will reveal his decision in the coming days. When asked if there were any doubts as to whether he would go if chosen, he said: "Probably not."
Elsewhere, James Goddard lowered the Commonwealth 200m backstroke record set on Tuesday by Liam Tancock in the 200m individual medley.
Gregor Tait, Goddard and Tancock had lowered the British record in three successive races and here Goddard overhauled fellow backstroker Tancock to win in one minute 57.72sec – second in the world this year and fourth on the all-time list behind Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte and Laszlo Cseh.
Chris Cook swam into contention in the 100m breaststroke when he became the first British man to swim under 60 seconds in a new Commonwealth record time of 59.88. The 28-year-old led from the start with Kristopher Gilchrist claiming second spot.
Rebecca Adlington set a new Commonwealth mark as she lowered her own 400m free record to 4:04.50 with Jo Jackson also claiming qualification. Gemma Spofforth and 17-year-old Lizzie Simmonds qualified in the 100m backstroke.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments