VETERAN swimmer Mark Foster is considering a shock return to the Olympics next year,

The 41-year-old who has competed at six previous Games has won 47 international medals but is still chasing an elusive medal at the Olympics.

Foster has been serving as a mentor to Paralympic hopeful James O’Shea for much of the last two years and his protege’s enthusiasm has given him the inspiration to seriously consider challenging for a place in the Great Britain squad.

He swam 23.30 seconds in a 50 metres freestyle event, in Dubai, in April, less than a second outside the qualifying time of 22.11secs.

“A tiny part of me never wanted to say that it was over. I was always leaving the door open. I have always loved the challenge of swimming,” said Foster.

“It would be a fabulous story. But I’m the one who has got to do it. At the moment the water is a relaxing place, rather than a ‘hurt yourself’ place.

“I’m 41. I’ve got to leave it alone at some point, but I haven’t officially said I’m going to retire. It keeps people guessing, doesn’t it? If a sponsor came along and gave me a million pounds to get in the pool, I would be in tomorrow.

“I will decide for definite for Christmas.”