Foster Set to Go for Seventh World Title

GREAT BRITAIN, Decemeber 2005. BRITISH Swimming has unveiled a squad of eight swimmers set to compete at next year's World Championships (25m) in Shanghai.

Short course sprint specialist Mark Foster will lead the squad, as the most experienced and decorated swimmer, and he will be in China to defend the 50m Freestyle title he won last time out in 2004.

The World Championships take place between 5th and 9th April and representing Britain will be Chris Cooke (City of Newcastle), Foster (University of Bath), James Gibson (Loughborough University), Liam Tancock (Loughborough University), Rebecca Cooke (City of Glasgow), Kate Haywood (Loughborough University), Mel Marshall (Loughborough University), Caitlin McClatchey (Loughborough University).

Foster, a six-time World Champion (25m), will be looking to continue his impressive record at the event and has shown the kind of form over recent outings that should serve him well against the fastest swimmers on the planet.

The former world record holder said: "I feel very good about my performances at the moment. I've been training in California and it's given me a new lease of life so I shall be back there in the new year continuing with that preparation.

"It's good having somebody in charge of your training for a change, which is what I've been getting more of in the States, and this allows me to concentrate solely on my performances.

"I'm looking forward to being part of a small team even though it's full of experience and talent."

Foster is determined to continue his impressive string of performances at the World Championships.

"For me at World Championship level, I've swam 10 times and come away with 10 medals. I'll be working hard between now and April to make sure that record remains."

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