Archie Goodburn, a 25-year-old swimmer from the University of Edinburgh, will compete for gold at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow despite being diagnosed with three inoperable brain tumours two years ago. The news came via a phone call from doctors while he was poolside, but he has continued training and performing at the highest level.
Diagnosis and determination
Medics confirmed the growths could not be removed due to their spread in his brain. Yet Goodburn has not let the diagnosis derail his athletic career. His resilience has earned praise from Michael Jamieson, a Commonwealth and Olympic medallist swimmer who will be part of the TNT Sport commentary team at the Games.
Jamieson said: “Archie’s just unbelievable having been diagnosed with a super rare form of brain cancer. He’s been an unbelievable advocate for treatment, positive mental attitude, returning to sport and not letting it defeat him.” He added: “It’s a really, genuinely super-inspiring story and it will just be a real pleasure to see him compete as well because what that young lad is dealing with is more than any of us can comprehend.”
Games details
The 2026 Commonwealth Games begin on Thursday in Glasgow, with more than 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories arriving in Scotland last week. Events take place along an eight-mile corridor between Scotstoun stadium and Tollcross International Pool, where Goodburn will compete and where Jamieson won silver in 2014.
The opening ceremony at the Hydro will feature performances by KT Tunstall, Callum Beattie, Nina Nesbitt, Nathan Evans, and Tom Walker, with King Charles and Queen Camilla in attendance. Show director Roxana Cole said: “My favourite thing about these rehearsals is community. We’ve brought all these cast members together from all ages and backgrounds and there’s a real sense of belonging. In a rehearsal session this week I had goosebumps. Glasgow really has an extraordinary sense of warmth and acceptance and that will be a defining characteristic of this show.”
