Chris Hoy reveals terminal cancer diagnosis: 'This is about ...
Six-time Olympic track cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy has revealed that he has been diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer.
The former British cyclist found out he had a tumour in his shoulder in September 2023, announcing his cancer diagnosis a few months later in February 2024.
He has now revealed that, two days after the initial diagnosis, he was informed that primary cancer in his prostate had spread to bones across his body, with tumours also in his hip, pelvis, spine and rib.
The cancer is stage 4 and incurable, and though he is undergoing treatment to manage the disease, Hoy was told he has two to four years left to live.
Speaking to the Sunday Times, Hoy explained, “Most of the battle for me with cancer hasn’t been physical. For me, it has been in my head. Hand on heart, I’m pretty positive most of the time and I have genuine happiness. This is bigger than the Olympics. It’s bigger than anything. This is about appreciating life and finding joy.”
Hoy won six Olympic golds and a silver throughout his illustrious racing career. The pinnacle of that was a double gold at his home Games at London 2012, where he became the then most decorated British Olympian of all time, before being overtaken by Jason Kenny at Tokyo 2020.
He continued, “As unnatural as it feels, this is nature. You know, we were all born and we all die, and this is just part of the process. I’m not trying to pretend that every day is amazing.
“But I have genuine moments of joy. I have laughter. I’m not thinking about it all the time. I’m back to my old self.”
After the news was publicly announced on Saturday (19 October) night, Hoy said on Instagram, "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!"
Hoy was at Paris 2024 where he performed the Coup de Baton ceremony prior at the men's sprint finals, while also part of BBC Sport’s UK coverage for the Games.
