Sir Chris Hoy reveals cancer diagnosis

Sir Chris Hoy has six Olympic gold medals. Photo: Getty Images/Bryn Lennon

Sir Chris Hoy, six-time Olympic champion in track cycling. champion, announced he had been diagnosed with cancer.

On his Instagram account, Hoy said his cancer diagnosis last year «came as a huge shock.» But he added that he is «optimistic, positive and surrounded by love» and that his treatment is «going very well.»

Hoy, 47, is one of Britain's most famous and beloved athletes, his exploits in the years leading up to the golden Games in London 2012 cementing him a special place in the hearts of British sports fans.

He said: “ I have some news. Last year I was diagnosed with cancer, which came as a huge shock because I had no symptoms until then.

“I am currently undergoing treatment, including chemotherapy, which, fortunately, is going very well. I would like to express my sincere thanks to all the medical staff for their amazing help and care.»

The Scot, who grew up in Edinburgh, said he planned to keep his news a secret but his «hand was forced.»

p>

Hoy said: “For the sake of my young family I had hoped to keep this information a secret, but unfortunately we had to take action. While I appreciate any support, I would like to deal with this privately.

«My heart goes out to the many others who are also going through similar issues right now.

p>“However, at the moment I am feeling well – I am continuing to work, ride my bike and live my normal life.

“There is an interesting year of work ahead, not least with the Olympic Games in Paris in July . . I can't wait to get into it, have fun and share it with you all.»

Hoy won the first of his gold medals in Athens in 2004, setting a world record in the kilometer time trial. The Flying Scotsman would take home a further five gold medals over the next two Games, the latest coming at the keirin in London in 2012 when he overtook Sir Steve Redgrave to become the most successful British Olympian of all time. /p>

That record has since been set by his protégé and fellow sprinter Sir Jason Kenny, who won his seventh gold medal in Tokyo. But Hoy remains on the podium from Team GB's point of view.

Hoy was a semi-regular competitor in sports car racing. Photo: etty Images/Ian Walton

Knighted Hoy Received the 2009 New Year's Honors for services to sport, in recent years has written children's books about a young cyclist called Flying Fergus, founded his own cycling company and competed in various motorsport series . In 2016, Hoy became the first Summer Olympic medalist to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, finishing 17th overall and 12th in class.

Terrible news. I wish @chrishoy a full recovery. Such a sweet guy. 🙌🏻 https://t.co/ntCPICJGoP

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) February 16, 2024

Hoy also does a lot of charity work. He has been an ambassador for the Scottish Mental Health Association since 2009, while he and his wife Sarah, Lady Hoy, campaign to raise awareness of the challenges faced by parents of premature babies after the birth of both their children, Callum and Chloe. premature.