Former borough of Southend swimmer Mark Foster is to appeal to British Olympic officials after failing to qualify for this summer's championships in Athens.

Billericay born Foster, who has competed in four previous Olympics, missed out on the 50m freestyle qualifying mark at the British trials by just 0.05 seconds.

But Foster hopes to be handed another opportunity to compete in Greece later this year.

"I can't believe the criteria does not include provision for wild-card selection," he said.

"I could win a medal for Great Britain."

Published Wednesday April 14, 2004

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