Six-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy has revealed he has only ‘two to four years’ to live after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. The former British cycling star, who initially shared news of his cancer diagnosis earlier this year on social media, explained that he had kept it private for the sake of his ‘young family’ but eventually had to go public. At the time, Hoy mentioned he was undergoing chemotherapy.
Hoy, who is celebrated for his remarkable cycling career, has won six Olympic gold medals and one silver between 2004 and 2012, making him the second most successful British cyclist in history.
In an interview with The Sunday Times, the 48-year-old disclosed that he has prostate cancer, which has spread to his bones and is now incurable. His condition was discovered after a scan for shoulder pain revealed a tumor, and further tests uncovered additional tumors in his pelvis, hip, spine, and rib.
Despite the severity of his diagnosis, Hoy remains positive, telling the newspaper: “As unnatural as it feels, this is nature… we were all born and we all die, and this is part of the process.” He expressed gratitude for available treatments, adding, “I’m lucky there is medicine to keep this at bay for as long as possible.”
Hoy, who shares two young children with his wife Sarra, revealed that he has known about his terminal prognosis since last year. He maintains a positive outlook, saying, “Hand on heart, I’m pretty positive most of the time and genuinely happy… This is bigger than the Olympics. It’s about appreciating life and finding joy.”
Hoy also mentioned that his family had faced another health challenge, as his wife Sarra was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis shortly before his cancer was discovered. Reassuring his supporters on Instagram, Hoy wrote, “You may see news about my health this weekend, so I just wanted to let you know I’m feeling fit, strong, and positive, and grateful for all the love and support shown to my family and me. Onwards!”