Olympic track cycling champion Chris Hoy reveals cancer diagnosis is 'terminal'

Olympic track cycling champion Chris Hoy reveals cancer diagnosis is 'terminal'

Sir Chris Hoy has revealed his cancer diagnosis is terminal, it has been reported, with the Scot being given “two to four years”.

The six-time Olympic track cycling champion turned endurance driver shared in February that he had been diagnosed with the disease in 2023.

He has known for a year that it is a terminal diagnosis, he has now disclosed.

While he previously said that the treatment had been going well, he told the Sunday Times had been given a life expectancy of two to four years.

"You know, we were all born and we all die, and this is just part of the process,” he told Decca Aitkenhead.

"You remind yourself, aren’t I lucky that there is medicine I can take that will fend this off for as long as possible."

The interview was released online on Saturday night ahead of it hitting news stands on Sunday.

Hoy added that he has been going through chemotherapy since November but has been taking measures to ensure he did not lose his hair.

The 48-year-old Scot revealed his diagnosis in February but did not say it was terminal.

The former cyclist has known his cancer is terminal for more than a year (PA Wire)
The former cyclist has known his cancer is terminal for more than a year (PA Wire)
Hoy is a married father of two (PA Archive)
Hoy is a married father of two (PA Archive)

A statement in February read: “I have a bit of news. Last year I was diagnosed with cancer, which came as a huge shock, having had no symptoms up to that point.

“I'm currently receiving treatment including chemotherapy, which thankfully is going really well. I'd like to extend my sincere gratitude to all the medical professionals for their amazing help and care.

“For the sake of my young family, I had hoped to keep this information private but regrettably our hand has been forced. Whilst I'm thankful for any support, I'd like to deal with this privately.

“My heart goes out to the many others who are also going through similar challenges right now.”

The Sunday Times alludes to Hoy knowing all along the diagnosis was terminal.

He added that he was told he has “two to four years”.

He has, nonetheless, enjoyed an active summer of riding, commentating on the Olympics and launching his own coffee.

Hoy is the second-most decorated Olympic cyclist of all-time and also won 11 world championship titles plus two golds for Scotland at the Commonwealth Games.

A former BBC Sports Personality of the Year winner, he was knighted in 2009.

After retiring from cycling, he enjoyed a brief stint as a motor racing driver - specalising in endurance events.

He took part in the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2016, finishing 12th in class and 17th overall.