Archie Goodburn is Commonwealth Games hero battling terminal brain cancer while hoping to beat Adam Peaty in final

HEROIC swimmer Archie Goodburn’s battle against terminal brain cancer took a positive turn before the Commonwealth Games – and now he is looking to upset the odds again by bagging gold tonight. The Scot, 25, kept his dreams of winning a medal on home soil alive by booking his place in the men’s 50m breaststroke final. Archie Goodburn has been on a heroic journey to the men’s 50m breaststroke final Credit: Getty The Scot has remained upbeat despite being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer Credit: Getty Adam Ramsay-Peaty, who broke down in tears after being forced to settle for bronze in the 100m event, is among the stars standing between Goodburn and a stunning podium finish. But, away from the pool, the 2023 British champion has shown he is someone who will not back away from a challenge. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! Goodburn’s life was turned upside down when doctors found three inoperable brain tumours two years ago. Instead of feeling sorry for himself, he has tried to remain upbeat and secured life-changing treatment on a new drug programme as he pushes for a Commonwealth Games triumph. Goodburn revealed that winning a medal tonight would be the biggest personal milestone yet. Ahead of battling for glory at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre, he told BBC Sport: “It would be the proudest moment of my entire life. “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.” The Scottish 50m breaststroke record holder notched a time of 27.31 seconds in the semi-finals. Most read in Sport Goodburn secured life-changing treatment Credit: SNS He is gunning for Commonwealth Games glory Credit: Social media And, having been on a courageous battle away from the sport he loves, Goodburn reckons anything is possible. He added: “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. “The times I’ve been swimming have been enough to win a medal at every other Commonwealth Games in history and I’ve definitely got my sights set on that podium. “I get goosebumps thinking about it. I’ve matured a lot in the last four years [since Birmingham 2022]. “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.” The growth of Goodburn’s tumours have slowed since he moved onto a new drug programme. Goodburn notched a time of 27.31 seconds in the semi-finals Credit: Getty Adam Ramsay-Peaty is among the big names standing between him and a podium finish Credit: Shutterstock Editorial And he hopes his story, regardless of how the final pans out, will inspire others fighting cancer. Goodburn admitted: “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. “I’ve been able to return to training and produce some of the best performances of my life. “I’ve just recently graduated from Edinburgh University with a first [in chemical engineering] as well. “I owe a lot of thanks and maybe a little bit of luck to lots of people. I’m in a fantastic spot.” It might not just be the Scots cheering Goodburn on in Glasgow this evening. Comment now