Tributes pour in for Chris Hoy after terminal cancer diagnosis

Tributes have poured in for the Olympic cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy after he revealed he had received a terminal cancer diagnosis.

In an interview with the Sunday Times, Hoy, who won six golds and one silver medal for Team GB, said doctors had told him he had between two and four years to live.

While Hoy, 48, had said earlier this year he had been receiving treatment for cancer, he did not say which type, but he told the Sunday Times he had been diagnosed with primary cancer in his prostate, which had spread to his bones.

His wife, Sarra, has also been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a degenerative disease. The couple have two children, Chloe and Callum.

“As unnatural as it feels, this is nature,” Hoy told the Sunday Times. “You know, we were all born and we all die, and this is just part of the process. You remind yourself, aren’t I lucky that there is medicine I can take that will fend this off for as long as possible.”

“Hand on heart, I’m pretty positive most of the time and I have genuine happiness,” he added. “This is bigger than the Olympics. It’s bigger than anything. This is about appreciating life and finding joy.”

Hoy made no reference to his personal news as he presented from the Track Cycling World Championships on the BBC on Sunday afternoon.

After the publication of the article, social media platforms have been full of tributes and support from friends and well-wishers.

“You’re incredible Chris, sending much love and strength,” the Olympic gold medallist Sally Gunnell said.

The television pundit and ex-footballer Ally McCoist wrote: “You, my friend are a superstar in every sense of the word. Love and strength from all of us.”

The Olympic cyclist Mark Cavendish called Hoy a “hero of a human being”.

The Edinburgh-born athlete has been credited with playing a key role in making British Cycling a success.

Hoy shared a picture on Instagram from the World Track Cycling championships in Copenhagen, and wrote: “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!”

“Such sad news,” the prime minister, Keir Starmer, wrote on X. “Chris is a British sporting legend. To face his diagnosis with such positivity is inspiring. The whole country is behind him and his family.”

The UK health secretary, Wes Streeting, said: “I’m in awe that Chris Hoy is meeting his cancer with the same positivity and resilience that has defined his life and career. The whole country will be cheering him on as we have done so many times before and sending him and his family so much love.”

“I send every good wish to Sir Chris Hoy and his family,” the Scottish first minister, John Swinney, wrote. “He has always inspired us by all that he has done. He is a person of incredible courage and that shines through today.”

“Chris Hoy is one of the finest to ever represent our country,” said the Olympic rower Matthew Pinsent. “Thoughts with him, Sarra and his immediate family.”

“An article to stop you in your tracks,” the football commentator Jacqui Oatley posted. “Devastating to read the diagnosis of Sir Chris Hoy as well as that of his wife, Sarra. Life can be so cruel. But the class and humility with which he tells this story is truly humbling.”

“Blown away by the resilience and determination of Sir Chris Hoy this morning,” the television presenter Dan Walker said. “Shortly after being told that he has between 2-4 years to live because of his terminal cancer … his lovely wife, Sarra, was diagnosed with MS. The man remains an incredible inspiration. Sending love to the whole family.”

Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH), for which Hoy is an ambassador, said it would support him and his family “every step of the way”.

Billy Watson, the charity’s chief executive, described Hoy as “one of the most remarkable and inspiring people that I have the pleasure to know”, adding: “It is his simple decency, his love for his family, and his desire to create positive change for others that makes him who he is.

“His commitment to improving Scotland’s mental health remains as strong as ever and we will stand with him and his family every step of the way.”