Tributes flood in for Chris Hoy from British sporting royalty
A host of British sports stars have paid tribute to Sir Chris Hoy after the Olympic legend revealed his cancer was terminal.
The 48-year-old father of two announced in February that he was undergoing treatment for cancer after a tumour had been found in his shoulder as part of a medical check-up.
He had gone to a doctor in September 2023 for a suspected shoulder strain only for the tumour to be revealed but said at the time that he was ‘optimistic’, and made up part of the BBC‘s Olympics punditry team in Paris.
Hoy – a seven-time Olympic medallist, six of them gold – revealed in an interview with The Sunday Times that his cancer was now terminal and heartbreakingly admitted he had between two and four years to live.
He posted on his Instagram to share an update from the World Track Cycling Championships in Copenhagen, where he is working as part of the BBC’s coverage, as he thanked well-wishers and said he was ‘overwhelmed by the love and support’ shown to him.
Sir Chris Hoy, pictured in 2012 after winning two gold medals at the Olympic Games in London, has revealed that his cancer is terminal
Edinburgh-born Hoy is an Olympic legend, having won six gold medals, as well as one silver
Hoy took to Instagram to share an update since it was revealed that his cancer was terminal
‘Great to be out in Copenhagen for the World track cycling championships broadcasting with the wonderful BBC sport team. Some truly incredible performances; world records and a new generation of future stars showing us what they can do,’ he wrote.
‘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!’
And the world of sport reacted in the best way possible, with some legendary names sending their love and support for the legendary British icon.
Fellow Scot and former Rangers star Ally McCoist wrote: ‘You, my friend are a superstar in every sense of the word. Love and strength from us all x.’
Double Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes added: ‘Sending love to you Chris, (followed by a red love heart).’
1994 Olympic 400m hurdles champion said: ‘You’re incredible Chris, sending much love and strength,’ with another heart emoji.
Hoy’s fellow British cycling legend Mark Cavendish added: ‘Hero of a human being.’
English Rugby World Cup winner Matt Dawson spoke of the legacy Hoy has left, stating: ‘Your legacy is second to none Chris,’ with a strength emoji and a blue heart.
Cycling icon Hoy, pictured in August 2023, believes that he has ‘two to four years’ left to live
Chris became Sir Chris in 2009 when he was knighted at London’s Buckingham Palace
16-time Paralympic medalist Sarah Story added: ‘Sending much love and strength.’
Fellow hero of the 2012 Olympic Games Jessica Ennis-Hill repeated the sentiment, writing: ‘Sending you so much love Chris,’ with another red heart.
And British Winter Olympic champion Amy Williams added: ‘A pure superhuman who everyone loves.’
The tributes were not solely confined to the sporting world , highlighting the impact of the legendary Hoy, with British comedian Jack Whitehall writing: ‘Sending you all the love mate..’
Fellow comedian Maisie Adam similarly hailed the Olympic icon: ‘You’re incredible, Chris! Sending you so much love, you absolute legend.’
Paddy McGuinness meanwhile needed just two words to sum up Hoy, saying: ‘Some man.’
In his announcement this week he admitted that he knew even back in February that his cancer was incurable.
Despite this, Hoy – who won six Olympic gold medals for Team GB between 2004 and 2012 – insists that he still feels ‘lucky’.
Mark Cavendish praised ‘hero’ Hoy on Instagram as British sport united around the 48-year-old
Fellow British Olympic icon Jessica Ennis-Hill paid tribute to the cycling legend following the news
Hoy pictured celebrating after winning the gold medal final of the men’s keirin event in 2012
In addition to his six Olympic golds, Hoy also won two Commonwealth golds and 11 golds at Track Cycling World Championships
Hoy and wife Sarra – who have been married since 2010 – pictured in Berlin in February 2020
‘We were all born and we all die and this is just part of the process,’ Hoy told The Sunday Times.
‘But aren’t I lucky that there is medicine I can take that will fend this off for as long as possible.’
Hoy married wife Sarra in 2010 and they have two children together.
Both children were born prematurely. Son Callum was 11 weeks early in 2014, before daughter Chloe arrived four weeks ahead of schedule.
‘I still feel like we’re lucky,’ said Hoy in his brave interview.
He added: ‘As unnatural as it feels, this is nature.’
Hoy said that he had told his children that no-one lives forever but defiantly proclaimed that he hoped to ‘be here for many, many more years’.
Hoy was knighted in 2008 while he was still an active athlete, with his royal recognition came shortly after he became the first British male Olympian in 100 years to win three gold medals at one Games.
Dame Kelly Holmes (centre front) sent her love to Hoy, with both winning gold for Team GB in Athens in 2004
Sarah Storey (second left) sent ‘much love and strength’ to her fellow British sporting icon
Hoy pictured in July this year in Paris, where he attended the Olympics opening ceremony
Hoy – who won his first Olympic gold in 2004 – added two more at London 2012 before announcing his retirement from cycling in 2013.
Despite his diagnosis, Hoy remains very active.
Earlier this month, he took part in a Peligoni’s wellness week event as part of PACE October that involved seven bike rides over five days in Greece.
