Sir Chris Hoy has posted on social media following the news his cancer diagnosis is terminal. In a harrowing admission, the Team GB Olympic icon has revealed he has been given between’ two and four’ years to live having been undergoing chemotherapy since September 2023.
Regardless, Hoy has continued to work as a pundit for the BBC this week at the UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Denmark.
He is set to be back on air this afternoon, with the live coverage on getting underway at 2.25pm.
But the 48-year-old has refused to be downbeat, and has take to Instagram to post a picture of himself with BBC colleagues. And he referenced his health situation, thanking fans for their support.
“Great to be out in Copenhagen for the World Track Cycling Championships broadcasting with the wonderful BBC sport team,” he wrote. “Some truly incredible performances; world records and a new generation of future stars showing us what they can do.
“You may see in the news this weekend some articles about my health, so I just wanted to reassure you all that I’m feeling fit, strong and positive, and overwhelmed by all the love and support shown to my family and me. Onwards!”
A number of fellow British sporting icons responded to the post, with Dame Kelly Holmes writing: “Sending love to you Chris.” Rugby World Cup winner Matt Dawson added: “Your inspiration is second to none Chris.”
Sally Gunnell said: “Your incredible Chris, sending much love and strength,” and Jessica Ennis-Hill posted: “Sending you so much love.” Mark Cavendish called him a “hero of a human being.”
Hoy initially kept news of his cancer treatement in private, before making a public statement in February. The professional manner in which he has gone about his duties this week had led many fans to wrongly assume he was on the road to recovery.
But in an interview with the Sunday Times, Hoy admitted he has known his condition was terminal for over a year. He bravely claimed to still feel fortunate at being able to receive treatment to prolong his life.
“I still feel like we’re lucky,” he said. “When you realise, God, this has been going on since the beginning of time. As unnatural as it feels, this is nature. You know, we were all born and we all die, and this is just part of the process.”
