Olympic Legend Sir Chris Hoy Reveals Terminal Cancer Diagnosis and Family’s Health Struggles

Sir Chris Hoy, a six-time Olympic gold medallist and Britain’s second-most decorated Olympian, has revealed that he is battling terminal cancer.

The 48-year-old retired cyclist shared the devastating news during an interview with The Sunday Times, which was published on Saturday.

Sir Chris Hoy, a six-time Olympic gold medalist, celebrates winning Gold in the individual sprint during the Beijing Olympics on Aug. 19, 2008. Getty Images

Hoy initially disclosed his cancer diagnosis on social media in February 2023, but it wasn’t until now that he revealed his condition was terminal. “Last year I was diagnosed with cancer, which came as a huge shock, having no symptoms up to that point,” he wrote in a February 16 post.

Hoy shows off his three medals he won at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Getty Images

At the time, Hoy expressed optimism for the future, looking forward to “an exciting year ahead” with the Paris Olympics in July.

His health concerns began in September 2023 when he believed he had strained his shoulder while lifting weights. Thinking the issue was a minor injury, Hoy went for a scan and attended a follow-up appointment alone, expecting to be told to reduce upper body workouts.

Sir Chris Hoy and his wife Sarra attend the 2017 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Salle des Etoiles in Monte Carlo, Monaco on Feb. 14, 2017. Getty Images for Laureus

Instead, he received the life-changing news. “In the space of one sentence… your whole world has fallen apart,” he reflected in his memoir.

Hoy performs the Coup de Baton ceremony before the Men’s Sprint Finals at Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines Velodrome during the 2024 Paris Olympics on Aug. 9, 2024. Getty Images

The doctor informed him that there was a tumour in his shoulder. A subsequent scan revealed that Hoy had primary cancer in his prostate, which had metastasised to his bones, with tumours developing in his shoulder, pelvis, hip, spine, and ribs. The diagnosis was stage 4, and the cancer was deemed incurable.

“Just like that, I learn how I will die,” Hoy wrote in his memoir, recalling the gut-wrenching moment. Overwhelmed by the news, Hoy described feeling claustrophobic and struggling to breathe in the doctor’s office.

Hoy celebrates victory in the Men’s Sprint Finals at the Laoshan Velodrome in Beijing on Aug. 19, 2008. Getty Images

His immediate question was, “How long do I have?” Doctors told him that with treatment, he had an estimated two to four years left and that treatment would focus on “management” rather than a cure.

Hoy’s remarkable Olympic career began at the 2000 Sydney Games, where he won a silver medal in the Team Sprint event for Great Britain.

He secured his first gold medal in the 1,000-meter Time Trial at the Athens 2004 Olympics. His most celebrated achievement came at the 2008 Beijing Games, winning three gold medals in Keirin, Sprint, and Team Sprint. Hoy concluded his Olympic career by defending his Keirin and Team Sprint titles at the 2012 London Games.

Hoy shared a photo of him and his BBC colleagues in Copenhagen for the World Track Cycling Championships in Oct. 2024. Chris Hoy/Instagram

In 2005, Hoy was appointed a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in recognition of his services to cycling.

Despite his diagnosis, Hoy returned to the Olympic velodrome in July as part of a broadcasting team for the Paris Olympics. He shared that he had kept the severity of his illness private until recently, as the prospect of sharing the news daunted him. “Once it’s said, you can’t go back. You can’t unsay it,” he told *The Sunday Times*.

Before the interview aired, Hoy posted a message on Instagram to reassure his fans: “I’m feeling fit, strong and positive, and overwhelmed by all the love and support shown to my family and me. Onwards!”

Hoy on the red carpet before the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games on July 26, 2024. Getty Images

In addition to his health battle, Hoy’s family was hit with further hardship last year when his wife was diagnosed with a “very active and aggressive” form of multiple sclerosis. She needed urgent treatment just weeks before Hoy received his terminal cancer diagnosis.

The Olympian described the double blow as hitting “rock bottom.” Reflecting on the moment, Hoy said, “It was such a huge blow when you’re already reeling. You feel like you’re at rock bottom, and you find out you’ve got further to fall. It was brutal.”

Hoy began chemotherapy in November and, for the sake of his son, 9, endured the pain of using a cold cap to prevent hair loss. The athlete was also faced with the difficult task of explaining his diagnosis to his two young children, a moment he approached carefully over dinner.

Despite these immense challenges, Hoy remains focused on fighting his illness while continuing to support his family.