Six-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy has delivered an uplifting update on his health, detailing his ongoing journey with a terminal cancer diagnosis and recovery from a serious mountain biking accident.
A resilient perspective on life and health
The British cycling icon, who ranks as Team GB's second most decorated Olympian behind Sir Jason Kenny, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in February 2024. Later that year, he received the devastating prognosis that he had between two and four years to live.
Speaking on The Sports Agents podcast with Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman this month, Hoy struck a remarkably positive tone. "I'm doing alright," he said. "It's been a funny couple of years but it changes your perspective on everything and you learn to kind of live more in the moment. In that respect, I'm doing really well."
He described the mental process following a serious health diagnosis, noting that after an initial period, one reaches acceptance. "Particularly if you've got young kids or responsibilities, you just have to get on with it," Hoy explained. "It's not easy but you find your way through."
Overcoming a severe crash and family challenges
Adding to his health battles, Hoy recently suffered what he called "the worst crash I've ever had" while mountain biking, resulting in a broken leg. Despite this significant setback, his spirits have remained undimmed.
The Hoy family has faced further adversity with Sir Chris's wife, Sarra, being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She initially concealed her diagnosis from her husband, revealing it only a month or two after his own cancer news. "It was the final kick in the teeth when you thought it couldn't get any worse," Hoy admitted. "That was the lowest point, really."
He praised Sarra's strength, saying, "She's an incredible human being. We're still pushing on and we're still having fun. We've got the house decorated for Christmas. There are times when it's tough but we're doing really well."
The emotional moment of sharing his diagnosis
In a BBC documentary, Hoy recalled the heartbreaking moment in September 2023 when he had to tell his wife about his cancer. After leaving the hospital, he walked home in a daze over the five-mile journey, consumed by how to break the news.
"As soon as I said the words, I broke down," he revealed, describing the raw emotional toll of the disclosure.
Now, two years on from his diagnosis, Hoy notes a shift in his daily mindset. "There are times where you forget about it," he shared. "It's not like two years ago when you woke up and the first thing you thought about was cancer." His update stands as a testament to remarkable physical and mental resilience in the face of profound personal challenges.
