London, Oct 20, (PA Media/dpa/GNA) – Chris Hoy, one of Britain’s greatest cyclists and Olympians, has announced that his cancer is terminal.
The six-time Olympic cycling champion, has been given a diagnosis that he has two to four years left to live, according to the Sunday Times.
The 48-year-old Scot revealed in February he was undergoing treatment, including chemotherapy, but the Sunday Times says he has known for a year his cancer was terminal.
In an interview with the newspaper, Hoy said: “You know, we were all born and we all die, and this is just part of the process.
“You remind yourself, aren’t I lucky that there is medicine I can take that will fend this off for as long as possible.”
A tumour was found in Hoy’s shoulder, and a second scan found primary cancer in his prostate, which has metastasised to his bones.
Tumours have also been found in his shoulder, pelvis, hip, spine and rib and he has been told it is incurable.
Hoy and his lawyer wife Sarra have two children, seven-year-old Chloe and 10-year-old Callum.
He recalls Callum, who was then aged nine, asking if he was going to die.
Hoy told him that no-one lives forever, but he hoped, thanks to the medicine, “to be here for many, many years”.
Despite having a very high pain threshold, he has had a violent allergic reaction to the chemotherapy.
Some weeks before his cancer diagnosis, his wife Sarra had tests on a tingling sensation in her face and tongue.
Then just before Christmas it was confirmed she had multiple sclerosis (MS) that was “very active and aggressive” and needed urgent treatment.
The couple have not told their children about Sarra’s MS diagnosis.
In February, as he was undergoing treatment, including chemotherapy, Hoy said he felt “forced” to reveal his cancer diagnosis publicly.
At that time, Hoy said he was “going really well” and was “optimistic, positive and surrounded by love for which I’m truly grateful” after his diagnosis in 2023.
Hoy was a pundit for the BBC, covering the Paris 2024 Olympics, and he has been part of the broadcast team at the Track Cycling World Championships in Copenhagen this week.
At the start of Sunday’s show on BBC Two, there was no specific mention of Hoy’s news, but he was asked how he was.
“I’m doing well, thanks. Having a great week, some incredible performances and hopefully some more to come,” Hoy replied.
He posted a message, ending with a love heart, on an Instagram message after confirming his terminal diagnosis.
Hoy wrote: “You may see in the news this weekend some articles about my health, so I just wanted to reassure you all that I’m feeling fit, strong and positive, and overwhelmed by all the love and support shown to my family and me. Onwards!”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was among those to give his support to Hoy, writing on X: “Such sad news.
“Chris is a British sporting legend. To face his diagnosis with such positivity is inspiring. The whole country is behind him and his family.”
Mark Cavendish described his fellow cycling knight as a “hero of a human being”, while former Scotland striker turned commentator Ally McCoist said: “You, my friend are a superstar in every sense of the word.”
Hoy’s fellow Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes, and Britain’s most successful Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey, also replied to his post with messages of support.
On X, fellow multiple Olympic champion Matthew Pinsent, said his thoughts were with Hoy and his family, describing him as “one of the finest to ever represent our country”.
Scottish First Minister John Swinney praised Hoy’s “incredible courage”.
“He has always inspired us by all that he has done. He is a person of incredible courage and that shines through today,” he said on X.
During his career on the track Hoy won six Olympic gold medals, 11 World Championships and 34 World Cup titles before he retired from competitive racing in 2013.
Only his former team-mate Jason Kenny, has won more Olympic gold medals for Great Britain.
Edinburgh-born Hoy, took up cycling at the age of 14, and won his first Olympic medal, a team sprint silver, at Sydney in 2000.
Hoy followed that up by winning gold in the 1km track time trial at Athens in 2004.
He added to his gold medal haul, by winning three more in Beijing four years later and two at London 2012.
Hoy was knighted in the 2008 New Year Honours List, after his success at the Beijing Olympics.
GNA