Sir Chris Hoy announces he has terminal cancer and gives devastating health update
British Olympic legend Sir Chris Hoy has “two to four years” left to live after revealing his terminal cancer diagnosis.
Hoy, 48, announced in February 2024 that he was being treated for cancer. The six-time Olympic gold medallist took to Instagram explaining how he was 'receiving treatment' including chemotherapy.
"I have a bit of news," he wrote earlier this year. "Last year, I was diagnosed with cancer, which came as a huge shock, having had no symptoms up to that point."
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Hoy initially assumed he’d strained his shoulder, revealing he thought: "I’m just getting a bit old for lifting heavy weights."
But an initial scan on his shoulder last September showed a tumour, and a second found cancer in his prostate, this has since spread to the 48-year-old’s shoulder, pelvis, hip, ribs and spine.
Hoy has revealed he has received a terminal cancer diagnosis and has two to four years left to live.
In July, Hoy was present at the Paris Olympic Games, providing TV coverage for the BBC and appeared healthy while being congratulated by his colleagues for looking “so well”.
However, he has kept his diagnosis secret until now. In an interview with The Times, he spoke about emotionally about the diagnosis.
The former cyclist revealed how, by round two of chemotherapy he felt 'absolutely broken by the end of it'.
Hoy explained how, despite the awful news, he feels 'lucky' to even have any time left thanks to medication that will extend his life.
"As unnatural as it feels, this is nature," Hoy explained.
"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’.
"But most of the battle for me with cancer hasn’t been physical. For me, it has been in my head."
Hoy is Scotland’s most successful Olympic athlete and holds the second most British gold Olympic gold medals behind Jason Kenny.
The 11-time world champion also revealed that he will be releasing a memoir, All That Matters: My Toughest Race Yet, in November.
"Hand on heart, I’m pretty positive most of the time, and I have genuine happiness," said Hoy.
"This is bigger than the Olympics. It’s bigger than anything. This is about appreciating life and finding joy.
"There’s so much positivity that can come out of this from all angles. I’m just really excited that this book hopefully will be able to help people.
"It’s a double-edged sword, because the kids make it all the more painful when you have the fear of what there is to lose. But they also help you appreciate each day and get through those difficult moments."
Hoy also revealed that his wife Sarra was diagnosed with degenerative disease, multiple sclerosis, just weeks before his cancer diagnosis.
Luke Davies