Five-time Olympian Mark Foster believes Rebecca Adlington will be one of a group of British women he tips to succeed at London 2012.

The success of Adlington and Jo Jackson in Beijing continued this year with the women claiming six of the seven British medals in the pool at the worlds in Rome last summer, while Keri-anne Payne was crowned world 10kilometre open water champion.

It was left to Liam Tancock and 15-year-old diver Tom Daley to fly the flag for the men.

However, Rome was a mixed bag for Adlington who was pleased by her third place in the 400metres freestyle but devastated to have finished outside the medals in the 800m.

Foster, though, believes the Nova Centurion swimmer was hindered by her decision to stick with her Speedo LZR rather than one of the supersuits which are to be outlawed at the end of the year.

He told Press Association Sport: "Becky is still only 20 years of age.

"She didn't have the best World Championships but in her defence the girls she was racing against had the new suits and she didn't.

"I truly believe it would have made a difference to her.

"I am not saying she would have won both but she could have given herself the chance to win both (in a different suit).

"As soon as I saw she wasn't in the suit I knew she couldn't win just because Federica Pellegrini and Jo Jackson were in newer suits.

"However, she still stuck to her convictions and stood on the block and had a go."

The six-time short-course world champion also singled out the likes of world backstroke champion Gemma Spofforth, freestyle silver medallist Fran Halsall and double world finalist Hannah Miley as well as triple Rome medallist Jo Jackson and Adlington as a group for London.

"Come 2012 a lot of these girls are going to be 22-24. I think it is a really exciting time for us," Foster added.

"Everyone seems to be improving which is great: how much is down to the suits is one thing but ultimately when it comes to racing at major championships everybody is in the same and on a level playing field."

The 39-year-old competed in Beijing, although his Games were soon over when he crashed out in the heats of the 50m freestyle.

Foster, who initially retired in 2006 before reversing his decision, has refused to rule out a return to competition with the Commonwealth Games being held in Delhi next autumn.

"Who knows?" said Foster. "I rule nothing out. I don't want to say one thing and then do another thing because then I look silly if I do that.

"I'm keeping fit, but I'm not training."

Foster also cast an envious eye at the Duel in the Pool next week in Manchester where GB, Italy and Germany will compete as the E-Stars against a strong American side including 14-time Olympic champion Michael Phelps.

The chance to host the event is a reflection of Britain's improved standing in world swimming to Foster.

"I would love to have competed in it.

"I think it's a great opportunity, I think it's one of these things that will run and run."