Team GB swimmer Archie Goodburn, 23, diagnosed with incurable brain tumour as he posts heartbreaking health update
ARCHIE GOODBURN has been diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour.
The Team GB swimmer, 23, revealed the news in a heartbreaking health update on social media.
Just days after his birthday, he shared a statement to Instagram as he confirmed details from the last six weeks.
Goodburn admitted he has been “overwhelmed by supportive messages” alongside his statement.
In the post, he explained: “Six weeks ago my life experienced a profound change as I was diagnosed with three brain tumours.”
The symptoms first disrupted his training in December 2023, but the “strange episodes” were initially thought to be migraines.
Goodburn was left with a loss of strength and numbness on his left-hand side by the suspected seizures.
He continued: “The seizures grew in intensity and frequency in the lead up to the 2024 Olympic trials in April, something I’d aimed for and trained for almost my entire life.
“I was determined on achieving my dreams, so I continued to train on through the seizures.
“I narrowly missed the Olympic team by just a few tenths of a second, placing 3rd in an event with only 2 spots.
“With the trials behind me I dug deeper into what was really causing these attacks. An MRI in May finally revealed what I’d began to fear the most.”
Although he could have undergone surgery, Goodburn revealed he is hoping radiotherapy and chemotherapy will be more effective.
He added: “The silver lining to this diagnosis is that oligodendrogliomas generally respond better to radiotherapy and chemotherapy than many other serious brain tumour types.
“They are often slow-growing and these tumours are likely years old.”
Despite the diagnosis, Goodburn told fans he is remaining optimistic as he wrote: “I am young, I am fit, I have the most phenomenal support network of friends, the best family I could ever hope for and a fantastic girlfriend by my side.
“I am determined to take this head-on, to remain positive and to keep being Archie.”
Support and well wishes have since flooded in, including from Aquatics GB, who said in a statement: “Everyone at Aquatics GB is sending their love and support to Archie Goodburn following his diagnosis with brain tumours.
“Archie has been a valuable, popular member of senior and junior British teams over recent years, both in and out of the pool.
“We know he will face treatment with the same energy, determination and spirit that defines him as such a brilliant athlete and person. Archie, Aquatics GB is behind you every step of the way.
“Our thoughts and support are also with Archie’s family, friends and teammates at this challenging time.”
Goodburn was the 2023 British champion in the 50m breaststroke and won bronze in the event at the 2019 World Junior Swimming Championships in Budapest.
He also represented Scotland at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, placing sixth in the final.