Six-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy has revealed that he is battling cancer. The Team GB legend, who has inspired millions with his cycling feats, said he was diagnosed last year but had hoped to keep it private, and added that his treatment is going “really well”.
He said he is “optimistic” and “positive” and is still working and riding his bike as he aims to live his life as normal.
In a heartfelt statement, the 47-year-old Olympian said: “I have a bit of news. Last year I was diagnosed with cancer, which came as a huge shock, having had no symptoms up to that point. I’m currently receiving treatment including chemotherapy, which thankfully is going really well. I’d like to extend my sincere gratitude to all the medical professionals for their amazing help and care.
“For the sake of my young family, I had hoped to keep this information private but regrettably our hand has been forced. Whilst I’m thankful for any support, I’d like to deal with this privately.
“My heart goes out to the many others who are also going through similar challenges right now. I’m optimistic, positive and surrounded by love for which I’m truly grateful. As you might imagine, the last few months have been incredibly difficult. But I currently feel fine – I am continuing to work, ride my bike and live my life as normal.”
“It’s an exciting year of work ahead, not least with the Paris Olympics in July. I can’t wait to get stuck in, have fun and share it with you all.”
Sir Chris took four Olympic titles alongside his 11 world and two Commonwealth wins.
He won his first medal in the Sydney Olympics, took gold in Athens and led Britain’s hugely successful cycling team to glory in Beijing in 2008.
Hoy won three gold medals in China, the best track cycling achievement since 1904, for which he was knighted and voted Britain’s sports person of the year. At the London games in 2012, he served as GB’s flag-bearer and took his gold medal haul to six, becoming the most successful Olympic cyclist in history. He would eventually be matched by Jason Kenny at the 2016 games.
In between the Olympics, he won 11 golds during world championship competitions.
Hoy, who was born and raised in Edinburgh, has a velodrome named after him in Glasgow. It was built for the 2014 Commonwealth Games there, which took place a year after he retired from competitive cycling.
Sir Chris Hoy is a living legend, a national hero, and a role model for many. He has faced many challenges and overcome them with courage and determination. He has shown us what it means to be a champion, not only on the bike, but also in life.
