Foster joy as he is chosen to fly the flag

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Judo player Kate Howey was the flagbearer at Athens in 2004, with rowers Matthew Pinsent and Sir Steven Redgrave getting the nods in Sydney 2000 and Atlanta 1996 respectively.

Foster said today: "I was blown away when I was told, it was a big surprise and a huge honour. It's fantastic."

The Games in Beijing, where he will be looking to add to his 47 international medals, will be Foster's fifth Olympics.

He is the first swimmer to carry the British flag at the Olympics since Tokyo 1964, when Anita Lonsbrough became the first woman to be given the honour.

Foster broke the British record in the 50m freestyle in June and said winning a first Olympic medal in that event in Beijing would be the highlight of his career.

He said: "Some of the most wonderful names in British sport have been Olympic flag-bearers.

"I really wanted to be picked but I didn't totally believe I would be. My heart was pumping when the announcement was made.

"Making the Olympic Games this time around was fantastic in itself, but this has really topped it off. It's phenomenal."

The announcement was made by Simon Clegg, Team GB's Chef de Mission, in the presence of HRH The Princess Royal and Gerry Sutcliffe, Minister for Sport.

During his illustrious career, Foster he has set five world records, seven European records, nine Commonwealth records and 19 British records.

Foster also indicated today that he might be willing to extend his career for a shot at the London Games in 2012 when he will be 42.

He added: "This may be my last Olympics but I never say, never. I am not looking at London in the slightest. It is a question of getting through this one and then there are some other things to do at home. After that, we will see. Who knows? In four years' time I might make another comeback."

Meanwhile, swimmer James Kirton faces a battle to be fit for Tuesday's 200m breaststroke heats after suffering a hernia injury.