Archie Goodburn, a 23-year-old swimmer from Edinburgh, has been confronted with a life-altering diagnosis of three large oligodendrogliomas, a rare form of brain cancer, following his recent experience with numbness and seizures during the lead-up to Olympic trials.
Despite narrowly missing out on qualification, subsequent tests revealed the presence of these tumors, rendering surgical removal impossible.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Goodburn shared his journey, recounting how his training was initially disrupted by mysterious episodes in December 2023, initially mistaken for hemiplegic migraines.
These episodes, which he now understands to be seizures, left him weakened on his left side and overwhelmed with fear, nausea, and intense deja vu. It wasn’t until an MRI in May that the true cause of his symptoms was revealed.
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Despite this devastating setback, Goodburn remains resilient. Having represented Scotland at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and secured a bronze medal in the men’s 50m breaststroke at the 2019 World Junior Swimming Championships, he now prepares for a different kind of challenge – battling his illness with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
“The silver lining to this diagnosis,” Goodburn remarked, “is that oligodendrogliomas generally respond more favorably to radiotherapy and chemotherapy compared to other types of serious brain tumors.”
He expressed gratitude for his youth, fitness, and unwavering support from friends, family, and his girlfriend, who inspire him to face this adversity head-on.
Archie Goodburn’s determination and positive outlook serve as a beacon of hope amidst a difficult time. As he embarks on his treatment journey, he remains resolute in his commitment to maintaining optimism and continuing to embody the spirit of perseverance that has defined his athletic career.