Watch: Archie Goodburn's emotional message after Commonwealth final
“My Dream was to make the final...”
Edinburgh swimmer Archie Goodburn has been praised for delivering a powerful message about brain cancer after competing in the Commonwealth Games, just two years after being diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour.
The 25 year old, from Edinburgh, fought back tears after finishing seventh in the men’s 50m breaststroke final in Glasgow, using the moment as an opportunity to spread awareness and call for action on a disease that remains the biggest cancer killer of those under the age of forty in the UK.
In an emotional post-race interview, Goodburn said: “I dream of a future where brain cancer isn’t the biggest killer of those under 40.”
He added that he would rather see meaning progress in brain cancer treatment and support than achieve his own sporting ambitions, saying experiences of young patients and their families are “far harder than anything I've ever had to do as a world class sportsman”.
Goodburn was diagnosed with three inoperable brain tumours in 2024 only at the age of 22, shortly after he had competed in in the Olympic trials. Despite the devastating news, he has continued to compete to the highest of level while becoming one of Scotland's leading voices campaigning for improved brain cancer research, funding and treatment.
His determination has inspired many across the sporting world, where earlier this year he set a new Scottish record in the 50m breaststroke before securing his place in Team Scotland’s Commonwealth Game squad.
Goodburn reaching the final in Glasgow has marked a poignant turn in his career as it is the first time he has progressed beyond the semi-finals at a Commonwealth Games.
The Tollcross crowd gave the Edinburgh swimmer one of the loudest and well deserved standing ovations of the evening as he walked onto poolside, with many fans visibly moved by both his performance and message he delivered after.
Speaking after the race, Goodburn reflected on his achievement, he said: “ My dream was to make the final, but, you know... outside the pool I dream of a future where brain cancer isn’t the biggest killer of those under 40. That the UK government establish a national brain cancer lead, to make that change and I'd much prefer that change was made, and that dream is completed than any of my personal goals in the pool.”
He thanked his friends, family and the University of Edinburgh for their support, adding that his advocacy is driven by a desire to help “ future Archies” and young people diagnosed with brain cancer.
Goodburn has previously campaigned for for access to new treatments, including the drug vorsidenib, which has helped slow the growth of his tumours. Alongside his sporting achievements, he has become a prominent campaigner for better outcomes for brain cancer patients across the UK.
While his medal dream may have ended in Glasgow, Goodburn’s emotional appeal has resonated far beyond the swimming pool, shining a spotlight on a disease that claims hundreds of young lives every year and reinforced his determination to create a lasting change.
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