The athlete fought back the tears after the Commonwealth Games final as he advocated for brain cancer research with other swimmers labelling the Scot “inspirational”
Archie Goodburn delivered a powerful message after competing in a Commonwealth Games final on Monday, two years after his brain cancer diagnosis.
The emotional athlete broke down as he proclaimed his biggest dream comes out of the pool, speaking passionately about ensuring brain cancer research is fully funded.
Goodburn found out the devastating news at age 22, following a training session.
He had been having some issues impacting his training, including seizures and numbness on his left side, and went for some tests.
Whilst in the pool, he missed a call and when he phoned back, he was delivered the heartbreaking information.
He had brain cancer and may not make it to 40-years-old.
Goodburn has had a great reception at the games, being met by the loudest ovation seen at Tolcross when he stepped out to compete in the Commonwealth Games final on Monday.
He finished seventh in the Men’s 50m Breaststroke final at Glasgow 2026.
Despite not making a podium place, Goodburn was overwhelmed post final.
He attempted to hold back the tears as he spoke about his disease.
Goodburn said: “Outside the pool, I dream of a future where brain cancer isn’t the biggest killer of those under 40.
“Where the UK government establishes a brain cancer lead to make that change.
“I’d much prefer that change is made, and that dream is completed than any of my personal goals in the pool because what families and young people are going through out there is really beyond the comprehension of many people out there and certainly harder than anything I’ve had to do as a world class sportsman.”
The swimmer has been having new treatments, which he fought to be able to receive, and they have slowed down the growth of his tumors.
He recently graduated from Edinburgh University with a first in chemical engineering.
After qualifying for the final, he told BBC Sport Scotland that the past 24 hours had been “pretty indescribable”.
Goodburn added: “Usually the words flow easily, but I’m finding myself quite speechless.”