Olympic cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy has revealed he has “two to four years” to live following his terminal cancer diagnosis.
Hoy, 48, confirmed in February that he had begun undergoing chemotherapy for the illness. However, he remained determined to attend the 2024 Olympic Games and eventually made it out to Paris.
He spent time covering the Olympics in Paris, where Team GB picked up medals in cycling and a number of other sports. Hoy won medals himself at the 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012 games, ending his career with six golds and one silver.
Hoy has opened up about the “pressure release” of making his condition public. Since sharing news of his condition and treatment with the world, he has continued to fulfil media duties but has opened up about the emotional and physical toll since his diagnosis.
“As unnatural as it feels, this is nature,” Hoy told The Sunday Times ahead of the release of his book All That Matters: My Toughest Race Yet. “You know, we were all born and we all die, and this is just part of the process.”
Sir Chris Hoy pictured in July 2024
He said he had been “given enough time” to come to terms with his illness, but reflected on tough conversations with his children. After Hoy started chemotherapy, his son Callum asked if he was going to die, and Hoy told his son that no one lives for ever but he hoped the treatment could help him “be here for many, many years”.
Hoy’s wife Sarra was at his side when he learned last September that his cancer had spread. Doctors explained it was stage four and incurable, and he writes in his book: “And just like that, I learn how I will die.”
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Hoy pictured with his wife Sarra in 2017
“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,” he wrote in a social media post in February.
“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.
Hoy in Paris for the 2024 Olympic Games
Hoy won seven Olympic medals including six golds
“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. However, 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.”
Hoy spent time covering the Olympics in Paris, where Team GB picked up medals in cycling and a number of other sports. Hoy won medals himself at the 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012 games, ending his career with six golds and one silver.
His first medal was that silver in Sydney in 2000. He then won gold in the 1 km Track time trial in Athens in 2004 followed by three golds in Beijing in 2008 and another two in the London games four years later.
Two years after the London games, he and Sarra welcomed their first child, son Callum. Their daughter Chloe was born in September 2017.
