Dramatic announcement for Chris Hoy

Dramatic announcement for Chris Hoy

Six-time Olympic cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy has announced that his cancer è terminal. In an interview with the 'Sunday Times' he said doctors have told him he has between two and four years to live. In the interview — which caused great emotion, in Britain and beyond — Hoy, who is 48 years old and Edinburgh-born, said he was diagnosed last February and underwent chemotherapy.

Hoy explained that he initially dismissed the shoulder pain as an injury caused by his efforts in the gym. However, tests revealed the presence of prostate cancer metastasized to his shoulder, pelvis, hip, spine and ribs. In the morning, the legendary athlete said on Instagram that he "felt fit, strong and positive". Health Minister Wes Streeting , asked by the BBC, said he was "in awe" of Sir Chris’s courage, positivity" and "wonderful message of hope" adding that "the whole nation will" cheer for him" and send him love.

“As unnatural as it may seem, this è nature. We are born and we die – Hoy’s words to the 'Sunday Times' – and this is part of the process. I am not lucky enough that there is a medicine I can take to push this away as long as possible. Most of the time I am quite positive and I am genuinely happy. È a bigger thing than the Olympics. È bigger than anything. It’s about appreciating life and finding joy", the words of the most successful track cyclist in history, along with Harrie Lavreysen.

After the publication of the 'Sunday Times' article, Hoy, who è in Denmark to comment with the BBC on the track world championships, posted a message on Instagram: "You may see in the news this weekend some articles about my health, so I just wanted to reassure all of you that I feel fit, strong and positive, and I am overwhelmed by all the love and support shown to my family and me. Onward like thisì!".

Underneath the post there were many comments of support and good wishes, including one from former world champion Mark Cavendish, who called Sir Chris a "human hero" while Scottish First Minister John Swinney called him "a person of incredible courage", sending him his best wishes in a post on X.

"You are incredible Chris, I send you much love and strength" said Olympic gold medalist Sally Gunnell. TV pundit and former soccer player Ally McCoist wrote: "You, my friend, are a superstar in every sense of the word. Love and strength from all of us". "Chris Hoy è one of the best athletes who ever represented our country", said rowing Olympian Matthew Pinsent. "Our thoughts are with him, Sarra and his family".

A father of two, Hoy is going through another difficult time after his wife Sarra è was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Having retired from competition in 2013, Hoy won six Olympic titles, 11 world titles and 43 World Cup titles in his career. The cyclist first won gold at the Athens Olympics in 2004, then won three more gold medals four years later at Beijing 2008. He won two more golds in London 2012.