Scottish swimmer Archie Goodburn broke down in tears after competing in the men's 50m breaststroke final at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, two years after being diagnosed with incurable brain cancer.
Goodburn, 24, finished seventh in the race but stole the show with an emotional message about his dream of a future where brain cancer is not the biggest killer of those under 40.
Emotional plea after the race
After exiting the pool, Goodburn fought back tears and delivered a powerful statement. He 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 establish 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."
Diagnosis and journey
In 2024, Goodburn, then the Scottish 50m breaststroke record holder, received the devastating diagnosis after experiencing seizures and numbness on his left side that had been impacting his training. After tests, a doctor told him he had brain cancer and may not make it to his 40s. He was 22 at the time.
Before entering the water for the final, Goodburn received a huge ovation from the crowd, with teammates calling him "inspirational".
Treatment and education
Goodburn has been undergoing new treatments that have slowed the growth of his tumours. He recently graduated from Edinburgh University with a first-class degree in chemical engineering.
After qualifying for the final, he told BBC Sport Scotland the past 24 hours had been "pretty indescribable", adding: "Usually the words flow easily, but I'm finding myself quite speechless."
