Sir Chris Hoy has revealed that a visit to the doctor for shoulder pain led to his terminal cancer diagnosis. The six-time Olympic gold medallist was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer in 2023 and given two to four years to live.
The 50-year-old cycling legend, who also won 11 World Championship titles, said he had no symptoms of the illness when he consulted a doctor about a shoulder problem. In an interview with Track Radio, which launches on May 4, Hoy explained: 'The first thing I knew, I had a pain in my shoulder, the cancer had spread to my bones.'
Despite the devastating news, Hoy has spearheaded efforts to raise awareness about prostate cancer. He established The Tour de 4 charity event last year and has raised over £3.1 million to date. He urged men to use the online prostate cancer risk checker operated by Prostate Cancer UK and to seek testing through their GP.
Hoy admitted he had previously been unaware of some risks, despite having a family history of the disease. 'I was 47 when I was diagnosed,' he said. 'I always thought it's part of my family history, my grandpa had it, my dad had it. And yet I was still ignorant of the fact that you could get it when you're in your 40s.'
He added that many men have contacted him to say they have been tested as a result of his news, with some discovering cancer early enough for treatment. 'You're saving lives by talking about it, and also raising money,' he said.
