Sir Chris Hoy has released an emotional message to fans in which he has revealed he will be living with stage four cancer for ‘the rest of his life’.
The six-time Olympic gold medalist, 48, shocked the sporting world last weekend as he announced the tragic development in an interview with The Sunday Times.
The Scot took to Instagram today to tell his followers that he was ‘so grateful to everyone for their incredible kindness and support’ after going public with the news.
He also admitted the stage four diagnosis was a ‘huge shock’ to him and his family, but said he had a ‘deep resolve’ to turn the news into ‘something more positive’.
Speaking to camera on a video posted on his social media channels, the Olympian said: ‘Hi Everyone, I wanted to give you an update about my health, after telling you I was receiving treatment for cancer.
The six-time Olympic gold medalist, 48, shocked the sporting world over the weekend as he announced the tragic development in an interview with The Sunday Times
In addition to his six Olympic golds, Hoy also won two Commonwealth golds and 11 golds at Track Cycling World Championships
‘I’m so grateful to everyone for their incredible kindness and support. You may have heard by now that I’m ready to share that my cancer is stage four. I will be living with it for the rest of my life.
‘Now it’s not the news anyone imagines hearing and it obviously came as a huge shock. We have taken time to process it as a family and I now have a deep resolve to turn this incredibly difficult diagnosis into something more positive, that can help not just me, but anyone anywhere living with stage four.’
Sir Chris also announced that he had written a book called All That Matters – in which he speaks about ‘how we’ve coped with the diagnosis and found hope and the resolve to keep pushing on’.
He said: ‘I’ve made the decision to write it all in a book. You might wonder why I take on writing a book during such a challenging time. It’s been cathartic and it’s a very important part of how I’ve been able to process this news with my family and for myself over the past few months.
‘I wanted to share this in the hope that it might help others in challenging situations too.
‘I hope it can provide not only an insight into how a family deals with a diagnosis like mine, but also remind us that all we have is now. Not the past, not the future, but where we are in this moment.
‘It’s about hope, how I lost it after the diagnosis and how I found it again.’
After news broke of the diagnosis, tributes to one of Great Britain’s finest ever Olympians flooded in from across the world as sport rallied around one of its heroes.
His partner Sarra, 40, also released a beautiful message on social media today, paying homage to her ‘real life superhero’ Hoy.
She said: ‘Completely overwhelmed by your kind, thoughtful and helpful messages. Many people say they don’t know what to say- that’s ok, you don’t need to have the words – just taking the time to message has been like a soothing balm to the soul. Thank you.
‘I’ve been told that men seeking advice about prostate cancer is up seven fold and that Chris’s story is likely to save countless lives. This takes my breath away.’
Sarra Hoy posted a picture of the couple both beaming for the camera on Instagram on Thursday
Hoy pictured posing for a photo while attending a cycling final at this year’s Olympic Games
Sir Chris’s legacy and impact on British sport cannot be understated, having spearheaded Team GB’s velodrome dominance between 2008 and 2016.
His initial cancer diagnosis came earlier this year after he visited a doctor in late 2023 having complained of shoulder pain.
A further scan found that the primary cancer was in his prostate, had spread to his bones and is now untreatable, but can be delayed by medical provisions.
Sarra was herself diagnosed with multiple sclerosis just weeks after the Olympian’s initial cancer diagnosis.
Sarra visited her GP after experiencing a strange tingling sensation in her face and tongue.
Doctors then informed her that she had an ‘aggressive’ form of MS, a degenerative disease for which there is no cure.
Sir Chris was part of the BBC’s coverage of the World Track Cycling Championship the morning after the news broke, and appeared in good spirits as he co-hosted with presenter Jill Douglas on BBC Two and also gave a further update on his health.
Continuing his media work, the 46-year-old admitted he was feeling buoyed by the occasion of being back in the velodrome and maintained steely professionalism throughout the coverage.
‘I’m doing well, thanks. I’m having a great week, some incredible performances and hopefully some more to come,’ said Sir Chris.
‘It’s always great to be back in the track centre, so many familiar faces, team mates, coaches, rivals and happy memories for me coming back to Copenhagen from 2002 and 2010,’ he added.
Sir Chris has previously praised his senior lawyer wife, who he says has been there for him ‘through it all’
Sir Chris’s cancer was discovered after a trip to the doctor in September last year when the Scot was feeling a strain in his shoulder
Sir won the Keirin event at the London 2012 Olympics – one of his six gold medals at the world’s greatest festival of sport
The Scot pictured in July this year in Paris, where he attended the Olympics opening ceremony
Sir Chris had previously claimed he was ‘feeling fit’ in the Danish city and was looking forward to the weekend’s racing action in the wake of his terminal diagnosis that shocked the sporting world.
Sharing a photo with Beeb colleagues, he cut an upbeat and positive figure on Instagram. ‘Great to be out in Copenhagen for the World track cycling championships broadcasting with the wonderful BBC sport team,’ he wrote.
‘Some truly incredible performances; world records and a new generation of future stars showing us what they can do.
‘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!’ he added.
Sir Chris was knighted in 2008 while he was still an active athlete and despite his condition has outlined he plans to ‘be here for many, many more years’ for his wife, Sarra, and their two children.
‘We were all born and we all die and this is just part of the process,’ he said when revealing the news of his terminal diagnoses.
‘But aren’t I lucky that there is medicine I can take that will fend this off for as long as possible.’
Despite his life expectancy being harrowingly shortened, he is remaining fit and active in the sport that he has earned legendary status in as one of the Britain’s greatest-ever athletes.