"I learn how I will die" - Six-time Olympic gold medalist Sir Chris Hoy makes heartbreaking confession about terminal cancer diagnosis

By Animesh Pandey

Modified Oct 20, 2024 06:54 GMT

Six-time Olympic champion cyclist Sir Chris Hoy opened up about his terminal cancer and how it has transformed his life. In an interview with The Sunday Times, Hoy recalled the time he posted about his diagnosis on his Instagram account in February 2024.

The 48-year-old former cyclist revealed the incurable nature of his ailment and shared that he was documenting his journey in his soon-to-be-published memoir.

According to the interview, Hoy's physiotherapist suggested a regular scan for him. In September 2023, he visited a hospital and was in for a 'rude shock'. A tumor was detected around his shoulder.

A further scan in the presence of his wife Sarra revealed that the tumor was slowly growing all over his body, and according to his doctor, his cancer had reached the fourth stage, and it was incurable. In Hoy's words,

"And just like that, I learn how I will die."

Sir Chris Hoy has been one of the most decorated Olympians of all time in track cycling. With six gold medals, the 48-year-old British cyclist was the most successful Olympic cyclist of all time, until his former teammate Sir Jason Kenny took over.

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Sir Chris Hoy on his future plans after being diagnosed with terminal cancer

Sir Chris Hoy celebrates his victory at the London Olympics [Image Source : Getty]

Sir Chris Hoy mentioned the changes brought by the diagnosis, and how the former cyclist has returned to his own self after he learned that his cancer was incurable.

In the interview, Hoy further mentioned,

"The fear and anxiety, it all comes from trying to predict the future. But the future is this abstract concept in our minds. None of us know what’s going to happen. The one thing we know is we’ve got a finite time on the planet.”

“…….So what I’ve come round to thinking is, why spoil that time? Crack on and enjoy and be grateful for what you do have. I’m not saying that I’m a Zen master and I’ve controlled my thoughts and my emotions in every situation. I’m not trying to pretend that every day is amazing. But I have genuine moments of joy. I have laughter. I’m not thinking about it all the time. I’m back to my old self,” he further added.

Hoy also revealed that his wife Sarra was also diagnosed at the same time with incurable multiple sclerosis. However, she has no grudges about it and continues to live with the same optimism. Hoy mentioned,

"She says all the time, ‘How lucky are we? We both have incurable illnesses for which there is some treatment. Not every disease has that. It could be a lot worse.’ ”

Sir Chris Hoy made his Olympic debut in Sydney in 2000, where he won a silver medal in the team sprint. Since then, the British cyclist never looked back, winning a gold medal every time he competed at the Olympics. He won a gold medal in the team sprint and keirin events at the London Olympics, before finally calling it quits.