Goodhew came to prominence as an international swimmer in 1976, finishing 7th in the 100m breaststroke at the Montreal Olympics that summer. Four years later, in the 1980 Moscow Olympics, he won gold in the 100m breaststroke, in a time of 1:03.34, and a bronze in the 4x100m medley relay. He represented England and won three silver medals in the breaststroke events and medley relay, at the 1978 Commonwealth Games in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. At the ASA National British Championships he won the 100 metres breaststroke title in 1976, 1978 and 1980 and the 200 metres breaststroke title in 1976, 1978 and 1980. His bald head made him instantly recognisable. He was a member of the British bobsleigh team at the 1981 European Championships. He now works part-time at Millfield School. Goodhew made two guest appearances on The Sooty Show: firstly, in 1984, in the episode, "All Blocked Up" and secondly in 1991 in the episode "Hair Today". He claims he was dyslexic; he is also an author and motivational speaker. He was appointed an MBE by Queen Elizabeth II for services to sport. Goodhew's 100 m breaststroke gold medal achievement was ranked 99th in the British network Channel 4's 100 Greatest Sporting Moments in 2002. He has made a number of television appearances including Dave Gorman's Important Astrology Experiment. After the London protests during the 2008 Summer Olympics torch relay, Goodhew stated that the protests were "a bad example for children". On 29 September 2001, Goodhew participated in an international relay off the coast of California from Santa Catalina Island to Santa Monica. Of the eight international relay teams participating, each team had one swimmer with MS. Goodhew swam on the same team as organizer and MS activist Taylor MH. Proceeds from fund-raising were all donated to the Myelin Project.
Cultural references
He is mentioned in the BBCTV seriesThe Office during a motivational speech by David Brent, by The Toy Dolls in a song called Yul Brynner Was A Skinhead, in an episode of Little Britain in which a bald character is likened to the swimmer, in The Mighty Boosh when a peacock crashes into his back in a speech made by Naboo, and also in the Welsh psychedelic rock group, Sen Segur's song "Taith Duncan Goodhew" from their first EP, 'Pen Rhydd'.. He recorded a charity single with Melbourne’s very own Martin Enright which briefly featured in the top 100 record charts. He is also sardonically mentioned in the Only Fools and Horses episode "The Longest Night" by Tom Clark, the head security officer of the fictional Top Buyer Superstores. He is mentioned in the song 'Shaven Haven' by Kunt and The Gang and was also featured in The Macc Lads song "Al O'Peesha". He appears in several episodes of Dave Gorman's Important Astrology Experiment, after Dave was instructed to befriend somebody with his initials, but whose life was very different. Together, they're seen playing hide and seek, frisbee, cycling and swimming. In the BBC Radio 4 spoof news programme On The Hour, the sports desk presenter Alan Partridge often alludes to a fictional incident where Goodhew's hair 'tragically' grows back, thus robbing him of his celebrity status as a 'cheery bald swimming star'. Duncan was a guest on Radio 4 Extra's News Quiz Extra
Personal life
Goodhew married Annie Patterson, an American graphic designer from North Carolina, in December 1984, and they have two children.
