Sir Chris Hoy leaves followers in tears as he makes emotional look at Murrayfield
Sir Chris Hoy made an emotional appearance at Murrayfield ahead of Scotland’s six nations clash with Ireland on Sunday afternoon as he delivered the match ball
Sir Chris Hoy made an emotional appearance at Murrayfield on Sunday afternoon.
Hoy, 48, received an emotional ovation as he delivered the match ball onto the field for Scotland’s Six Nations clash with Ireland. The Olympic icon held back the tears as he appeared at the stadium.
In Autumn last year, Hoy revealed his cancer was terminal. “As unnatural as it feels, this is nature,” Hoy told The Sunday Times. “You know, we were all born and we all die, and this is just part of the process.”
He said he had been “given enough time” to come to terms with his illness, but remembered 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 was told in 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.”
Hoy was tasked with delivering the match ball on Sunday – and one fan posted: “A wonderful moment for him and the crowd.”
“Got something in my eye,” a second said. While a third shared: “The applause and the love was immense and richly deserved!”
And another added: “What a legend this man is. Absolutely gutted about his illness. An inspiration to all Scots.”
On the pitch it was a tough afternoon for Scotland, who were convincingly beaten by Ireland. Ireland kept their Grand Slam hopes firmly on track with an 11th victory in a row – having also defeated England last weekend.
