Little over two years ago, Archie Goodburn faced a life-altering diagnosis. The Scottish 50m breaststroke record holder was on the verge of realizing his Olympic dreams when he received devastating news: he had brain cancer at just 22 years old.

His symptoms, including seizures and numbness, led to a diagnosis revealing three inoperable low-grade tumors. Doctors warned him he might not see his 40s, but Goodburn's spirit remained unbroken.

Now 25, he returned to the pool for the Commonwealth Games, receiving a thunderous ovation at Tollcross. After qualifying for the final, he was overcome with emotion, realizing the significance of his journey. "Last night, I was so overcome to have achieved that primary goal of making the final. Then over the next 24 hours, you look for more," he shared with BBC Sport Scotland.

Remarkably, Goodburn is in peak swimming condition, having set a national record of 27.12 seconds in February. New treatments have slowed the growth of his tumors, and he recently celebrated graduating with a first in chemical engineering from Edinburgh University.

In the final, he finished joint seventh, which he humorously referred to as "joint last," missing out on the coveted medal. However, for Goodburn, this experience transcended awards. "It's pretty indescribable," he reflected. "I was really trying to soak it up... the experience was everything I dreamed of and more. But the time, unfortunately, wasn't there."

Goodburn continues to inspire others as he battles his illness, embodying resilience and hope.