A swimmer chasing gold at the Commonwealth Games despite three brain tumours has been praised by one of Scotland’s most successful athletes.
Archie Goodburn, 25, is already a hero for making it to the Games, which kicks off in Glasgow on Thursday, before he even dips a toe in the water.
The University of Edinburgh swim star received the devastating news he had three inoperable brain tumours two years ago when he took a call from doctors poolside.
Medics confirmed they had found the growths which they couldn’t remove due to how they had spread in his brain. Yet the determined athlete has continued to train and perform to the highest standard in competitions.
View 3 ImagesArchie has been diagnosed with three inoperable brain tumours(Image: Brain Tumour Research / SWNS)
And his incredible fighting spirit has now been hailed by Commonwealth and Olympic medallist fellow swimmer Michael Jamieson who admits he’s been blown away by Goodburn’s determination.
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.”
Jamieson will watch Goodburn compete at Tollcross pool, the venue where he himself took silver when the Games were last in Glasgow in 2014.
View 3 ImagesMichael Jamieson has hailed ‘super-inspiring’ Archie(Image: Daily Express)
The 37-year-old – who is part of the commentary team on TNT Sport – 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.”
More than 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories around the Commonwealth began arriving in Scotland last week.
This year’s Games take place along an eight-mile corridor between Scotstoun stadium in the city’s west end and Tollcross International Pool in the east.
The opening ceremony at the Hydro will see the King and Queen take their seats among fans to watch Scots stars KT Tunstall, Callum Beattie, Nina Nesbitt, Nathan Evans and Tom Walker bring the curtain up.
The show’s 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.”
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