Archie Goodburn’s emotional Commonwealth Games moment
An emotional Archie Goodburn broke down after the Comonwealth Games final as he declared his biggest dream comes outside of the pool, where brain cancer isn’t the biggest killer of those under 40.
The Scottish 50m breaststroke record holder found out the devastating news of his diagnosis after a training session just over two years ago. He had been having some issues impacting his training including seizures and numbness on his left side. He had been for some tests and missed a call whilst in the pool. When he called back he was told he had brain cancer. The 22-year-old was told that he may not make it to his 40s.
On Monday, Goodburn was met by an outstanding ovation as he walked out at Tollcross to compete in a Commonwealth Games final. He finished seventh in the Men’s 50m Breaststroke final at Glasgow 2026.
Following the race, Goodburn broke down in to tears as he delivered an extremely powerful message.
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.
