Archie Goodburn: Scottish Breaststroke Record Holder
Archie Goodburn holds the Scottish record in the 50m breaststroke.
Though Glasgow 2026 is still over a month away, swimmer Archie Goodburn is already filled with anticipation. This excitement stems partly from the positive developments in his fight against terminal brain cancer and partly from his vivid imagination of entering the Commonwealth pool amid roaring crowds—not only representing Scotland but aiming to achieve an extraordinary medal in the 50m breaststroke.
"It would be the proudest moment of my entire life,"
said the 24-year-old when discussing a potential podium finish.
"I'd be in absolute bits and I'd have a lot of people to thank. I'm actually tearing up just thinking about it now."
This reaction is understandable. Goodburn is a remarkable young athlete whose life expectancy has been drastically reduced by incurable brain tumours. Despite this, he has broken his own Scottish 50m breaststroke record after receiving life-changing treatment through a new drug programme he hopes will benefit others.
"A personal best post-diagnosis is something that I actually would have struggled to believe if you'd told me in that consulting room back in May 2024,"
he explained.
"I have been working my socks off and I'm in the best shape of my life heading into these Games.
The times I've been swimming have been enough to win a medal at every other Commonwealth Games in history and, even if this will be one of the faster Games, I've definitely got my sights set on that podium."
At this point, the emotional intensity grows.
"I get goosebumps thinking about it,"
he added. "I've matured a lot in the last four years [since Birmingham 2022] and a lot of that's to do with my diagnosis and the harsh reality checks of what's important.
Sometimes swimming feels less important in comparison to other things, but really we undergo treatment and we go through the hard stuff so we can do the fun stuff. I remind myself of that in those moments and I do start to feel like a little kid."
Progress in Treatment and Advocacy
When Goodburn gave an emotional BBC interview a year ago, the treatment he was receiving was not yet officially licensed. His story became a powerful message of hope in the fight against brain cancer and contributed significantly to the campaign for the drug's approval.
His progress has been encouraging. Although the tumours remain inoperable, their growth has slowed.
"It shows what's possible when the UK government really do take action and do their best to get drugs approved as quickly as possible,"
he said.
"Off the back of our last chat, the drug we discussed has had its approval and thanks to that, I've been able to return to training and produce some of the best performances of my life.
I've just recently graduated university with a first class as well [chemical engineering], so I owe a lot of thanks and maybe a little bit of luck to lots of people. I'm in a fantastic spot and really looking forward to the summer."
Commonwealth Games and Emotional Resilience
Other notable Scottish athletes include four British champions in the Scotland weightlifting team and Adlington leading Scotland's Commonwealth judo squad. Meanwhile, boxer Mitchell aims for Glasgow gold despite skepticism.
Goodburn's determination remains unwavering despite the uncertainty of his future. He does not know if he will live to see 40 but envisions a medal victory that would electrify the Tollcross Swimming Centre.
"This is the second time I've had goosebumps during this interview,"
he said. "Football fans and rugby fans will know the feeling when you feel sound in your chest.
The only time I ever felt that in swimming was in Birmingham, walking out behind Adam Peaty. That is different to just hearing someone cheering you; you can actually feel the sound waves moving through your body.
I hope that gives us the edge to make those little hundredths of a second."
If anyone deserves a medal, it is Goodburn. His mental strength is undeniable.
Continuing Advocacy Beyond the Games
Following the Games, Goodburn plans to continue advocating for brain cancer awareness and improved access to treatments.
"We're talking about life-changing medications - the most common form where they have a prognosis of 12 to 18 month,"
he said. "A month is a significant portion of their time remaining.
It may not seem a lot in government or in policy boards or meetings when they're making these decisions, but days and hours are important. So establishing a national brain cancer lead is something that the advocacy group I'm part of is really calling for to streamline that process as much as possible."
