Olympic cyclist Sir Chris Hoy reveals that his cancer is terminal

Sir Chris Hoy, one of Scotland’s greatest-ever sportsmen, has revealed that his cancer is terminal.

The six-time Olympic champion revealed he had been diagnosed with cancer in February, and had said the news had come as a “huge shock”.

However he has now revealed that his cancer is terminal, with doctors telling him he has between two and four years to live.

Sir Chris told the Sunday Times: “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.

“You remind yourself, aren’t I lucky that there is medicine I can take that will fend this off for as long as possible.”

After a tumour was found in the 48-year-old’s shoulder, a second scan discovered primary cancer in his prostate, which has spread to his bones.

Hoy has been told that the cancer is incurable, with tumours also found in his pelvis, hip, pine and rib.

Following the publication of the Sunday Times interview, the former athlete posted a positive message on Instagram.

It read: “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!”

Just weeks before his cancer diagnosis, Sir Chris’ wife Sarra underwent tests that would later reveal that she has “very active and aggressive” multiple sclerosis and needed urgent treatment. The couple have two children, Callum and Chloe.

Sir Chris won his first Olympic gold at the Athens Olympics in 2004 and won three medals at Beijing 2008. He added two further gold medals to his collection at the London Olympics four years later.

As well as his Olympic gold, Sir Chris won 11 world titles and 34 Cycling World Cup titles. He was knighted in the 2008 New Year Honours List and the velodrome in Glasgow that was built for the 2014 Commonwealth Games was named after him.

News of Sir Chris’ diagnosis prompted messages of support from public figures.

Prime minister Sir Kier Starmer wrote “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.”

First Minister John Swinney was also among those to post messages on social media, praising his “incredible courage”.

“I send every good wish to Sir Chris Hoy and his family,” Swinney said in a post on X.

“He has always inspired us by all that he has done.

“He is a person of incredible courage and that shines through today.”

Former Scotland footballer turned commentator Ally McCoist wrote: “You, my friend are a superstar in every sense of the word”, while multiple Olympic rowing champion Sir Matthew Pinsent paid tribute to “one of the finest ever to represent our country”.

UK health secretary Wes Streeting, said: “I’m in awe that Chris Hoy is meeting his cancer with the same positivity and resilience that has defined his life and career.

“The whole country will be cheering him on as we have done so many times before and sending him and his family so much love.”

Broadcaster Dan Walker tweeted: “Blown away by the resilience and determination of Sir Chris Hoy this morning. “Shortly after being told that he has between 2-4 years to live because of his terminal cancer … his lovely wife, Sarra, was diagnosed with MS.

“The man remains an incredible inspiration. Sending love to the whole family.”

Since retiring from cycling, Sir Chris has promoted his own cycling range, written children’s books and worked as a commentator.

This weekend, he has been working at the World Track Championships in Denmark as a pundit for the BBC.

Asked at the start of Sunday’s show how he was, he said: “I’m doing well, thanks. Having a great week, some incredible performances and hopefully some more to come.”