Sir Chris Hoy and wife Lady Sarra receive Freedom of the City of London
They have been recognised for charitable work for cancer awareness and neo-natal care, in addition to Sir Chris' sporting achievements as a British track cyclist.
The couple, who have been married since 2010, attended a joint ceremony at the Lord Mayor's official residence, The Mansion House, on Thursday.
Sir Chris said: 'London will always have a very special place in my heart, being the flag-bearer at the 2012 Olympic Games is an experience that will stay with me forever.
'Every Olympics is special, but nothing quite beats a home Games, and watching the city come together and creating memories in front of such amazing support at what would be my last is something I will never forget.
'It is a great honour to receive the Freedom of the City; thank you.'
Sir Chris, a six-time Olympic cycling champion, 49, revealed in February 2024 he was undergoing cancer treatment, including chemotherapy.
In October 2024, he announced that his diagnosis was terminal and said he had been told by doctors that he had two to four years to live.
As well as six Olympic golds, the Edinburgh-born athlete won 11 world championships and 34 World Cup titles by the time he retired from competitive racing in 2013.
He was knighted in the 2008 New Year Honours List after his success at the Beijing Olympics.
The couple were nominated for the Freedom by Lord Mayor of London Alastair King and Caroline Haines, who is chair of the City of London Corporation's Epping Forest and Commons Committee.
Sir Chris and Lady Sarra's son Callum was born at 29 weeks weighing just 2lbs 2oz in 2014, and Lady Sarra, a solicitor from Edinburgh who qualified in Scots and English law, is an ambassador for Bliss – a UK charity for sick and premature babies.
Lady Sarra, who spoke on ITV's Lorraine earlier this year about being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), said: 'I'm deeply touched and honoured to have my charity work recognised in this way by the City of London.
'I feel very privileged that Chris and I were awarded Freedom of the City at the same time.
'Watching him compete at London 2012 in front of a home crowd that included our family and friends was so momentous, London will always remain a precious place for both of us.'
Mr King said: 'Chris and Sarra are tremendously inspirational figures – Chris, as one of our most highly decorated and popular Olympic sports ambassadors, and Sarra, as a talented lawyer with dual qualifications in Scottish and English law, who has committed herself to campaigning for improved healthcare for children.
'Both of them must be commended for speaking so openly about living with cancer and multiple sclerosis, and it has been my privilege to support their freedom nominations.'
The tradition of the freedom of the city is believed to date back to 1237.
Recent recipients include comedian, actor and writer Sir Lenny Henry; choreographer and director Sir Matthew Bourne; and Lady Mary Peters, who won an Olympic gold medal in the athletics pentathlon in 1972.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
28 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Three reasons why Marcus Rashford's dream move to Nou Camp could be perfect for Barcelona, Man Utd… and Lamine Yamal
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MARCUS RASHFORD'S future at Manchester United looks bleak to say the least. After being exiled by manager Ruben Amorim in December, he has not had a look-in since, which prompted him to secure a loan transfer to Aston Villa. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 10 Marcus Rashford's future lays away from Man Utd Credit: Alamy 10 He has openly spoken about linking up with Barcelona Credit: Getty 10 But how could the potential switch be beneficial to all parties, including Lamine Yamal Credit: Getty Despite scoring four goals and adding six assists under Unai Emery, Amorim is adamant the English winger will not be a part of his plans at Old Trafford and is even willing to leave him behind from the squad's pre-season tour. Man Utd want to sell and have set a price tag of around £40million to suitors, with the likes of Newcastle and Barcelona linked. Rashford, 27, has made no secret of his desire to leave, and last weekend openly spoke about the prospect of playing for Barcelona and alongside wonderkid Lamine Yamal. He discussed a position change to suit the Camp Nou outfit's needs and was full of praise for Yamal, saying: "It's difficult to put into words what he's doing because he's not supposed to be doing it at 16, 17. 'He's playing at the highest level, I don't think we've seen it. To have his mentality is a skill." Below, we look at the tactical details behind the potential transfer of Rashford to Barcelona, and why both clubs and Yamal can all benefit from the deal. Movement One of the most consistent strengths of Rashford's game has been his movement and ability to make decisive runs beyond the last man and to attack the space behind the opposition defensive line. When Rashford first came through at Man Utd under Louis van Gaal he often played as a more dynamic centre-forward option. Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford Gradually, however, Rashford moved over to play from the left of the attack and in these areas he became less dangerous when breaking the line through movement. If Rashford were to move to Barcelona and play as the central striker, his movement in tight spaces combined with the way he can explode from a standing start will offer real value for Hansi Flick's side. Marcus Rashford says he wants to play with Lamine Yamal at Barcelona in transfer plea This is especially true with Yamal playing from the right side of the attack. Despite only being 17 years old, there is a very real argument to be made that Yamal is one of, if not the best, player in the world. His vision and ability to find a pass when cutting inside on his left foot would be ideal in releasing Rashford. 10 Here we see how Yamal finds clever angles to release team-mates in dangerous areas While Lewandowski has been one of the top strikers in football across the last decade - and a top physical specimen - he has lost a yard of pace and sharpness, and his ability to make runs and create separation quickly has declined. The quality of his runs and movement is still there, but the athleticism to keep up with his brain has faded. This is where Rashford could make a lot of sense for Barcelona. His explosiveness and ability to make line-breaking runs would enable Yamal to make these passes with confidence. 10 Rashford's movement here gives Amad an option to pass to slip the ball to him before the Englishman goes on to score Rashford can create immediate separation from defenders and take advantage of his passes. His extra athleticism on the last line could be a crucial detail for Barcelona in their bid to retain the LaLiga title and win the Champions League. Meeting crosses Barcelona have a long-standing tradition of being extremely greedy with possession of the ball. Under Flick they play an extremely high defensive line and look to force the opposition into deep defensive blocks. This does, of course, carry some risk in terms of leaving space that can be attacked, but they also dominate the ball in the final third and create opportunities to break into the opposition area. However, this means they have to find ways to break down the opposition. In order to do so, there are points Barca will cross from the wide areas, either through Yamal on the right or through Raphinha on the left. Lewandowski has always been good from these positions thanks to his sharp brain and quick movement, but once again, his declining athleticism has led to issues. 10 Here we see how Yama is able to produce a quality cross which only needs to be met by a willing runner Rashford has long been underrated for his ability in the air and his movement to attack crosses into the area. He reads the flight of the ball well and his jinking movements will often unbalance defenders as he moves one way before cutting and attacking at a different angle. The forward will often make long runs from deeper areas, knowing the angles to attack the space in the opposition penalty area. These runs tend to be at a higher speed and intensity, and as such it can be exceptionally difficult for defences to defend them. 10 Here a deep run from Rashford allows him to burst past defenders before getting the ball in a dangerous area All he needs is quality delivery. There is a real sense that signing a player like Rashford would bring an extra dimension to the attack for Barcelona. Playing back to goal. One thing Rashford had definitely appeared to struggle with in the past was playing with his back to goal when playing centrally. His explosive pace and curving runs are anathema to a target-man style centre-forward who can bring team-mates into play around them. In his younger days this might have been put down to a lack of concentration or composure. But it was interesting to note he Rashford referenced how he now feels more comfortable playing with his back to goal as a central striker. To succeed as the No. 9 at Barcelona, this aspect of his game would need to be top-dollar. 10 Here we see how Barcelona's attack is brought into play by the hold-up of Robert Lewandowski If Rashford is able to allow Barcelona to play quickly forward to a safe platform and then link play with team-mates who will be swarming forwards to support him, he will be integral. At 5ft 11", Rashford certainly has the frame of a forward who can hold off defenders with his back. His combination play and ability to get around his marker through sheer acceleration and strength would make him a real threat if utilised correctly. And the mere threat of this happening will force opposition defenders to think twice about getting too tight when marking him. 10 At Aston Villa Rashford showed glimpses of his central hold up link play, in this example dropping deep before bursting forwards Rashford is no longer a young and raw player. He is an experienced international player who is in his peak years and has the tools to be able to play centrally for a team with the attacking dominance of Barcelona. Conclusion A move abroad feels like the logical next step for Rashford to make, with a change of scenery to a club like Barcelona appearing to make sense. It would be fascinating to see whether his profile and skill set could provide that next level for Barcelona in terms of unlocking the attacking threat of the team. 10 TRANSFER NEWS LIVE - KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST FROM A BUSY SUMMER WINDOW
South Wales Argus
39 minutes ago
- South Wales Argus
‘Forgotten' England football manager Don Revie to be honoured in home town
Revie, an England player then a pioneering and title-winning coach with Leeds United, has no memorials in his home town of Middlesbrough, where he grew up two miles away from Clough. While Clough – often dubbed the Greatest Manager England never had – has a statue in the town's Albert Park, a street named after him in Linthorpe and a plaque on his former house, nothing marks out that Revie was a Boro lad. Revie, who managed England from 1974 until he quit for the United Arab Emirates in 1977, does not even have a plaque on his former home in Bell Street, Newport. There is a statue of former Leeds United manager Don Revie outside Elland Road (Nigel French/PA) Middlesbrough and Thornaby East MP Andy McDonald and Fly Me To The Moon football fanzine editor Robert Nichols approached Revie's former school Archibald Primary about changing that. Teaming up with the school, historian Dr Tosh Warwick and local artists, a plan was put forward for a metre-square mosaic at the school which will be visible to passers-by. The Labour MP said: 'Don Revie was a pioneer in football and his achievements were utterly remarkable. 'In a very short space of time he took a second division side in Leeds United to the top of the English game and into Europe. 'But whereas others like Brian Clough and Bill Shankly, who have had similar achievements, are hero figures across the nation, Don Revie is forgotten somewhat outside of Leeds. 'That someone from Middlesbrough's Newport area could rise to be one of only 16 people to ever hold the permanent position of England football manager and the story not be told seemed to us a crying shame. 'He is a fascinating character who has divided opinion but someone who we should perhaps look again at for the town of Middlesbrough and we hope in this piece of art that we do just that and inspire the pupils of Archibald to know that they can achieve anything they want to.' Revie honed his skills, which saw him play up front for Leicester City and England, by kicking a ball against the playground walls at his primary school. Archibald deputy headteacher Steve Cowgill said: 'We are really proud that our school has such a long history and are looking forward to working on this exciting project relating to an ex-pupil who went on to be a significant local and national figure. 'Our aim is that as many pupils and their parents and carers as possible can become involved in creating this lasting recognition to Don Revie.' Revie and Clough, who followed him for just 44 days as Leeds manager, famously clashed in 1974 in a TV interview on the day Clough was sacked, which was later depicted in the film Damned United. Clough had been a fierce critic of Revie, telling players after he took over at Leeds that they should bin their medals as they had not been won fairly. Revie, who died aged 61 in 1989, has a statue outside the Elland Road stadium where his tactical nous, planning skills and loyalty to players is fondly remembered by Leeds fans.
Leader Live
an hour ago
- Leader Live
Jack Draper on collision course with Djokovic and Sinner in tough Wimbledon draw
The 23-year-old goes into the tournament as a genuine title contender for the first time after climbing to fourth in the world rankings and will take on Argentinian Sebastian Baez in the opening round. But from there things are set to get significantly tougher with former finalist Marin Cilic a likely second-round opponent and Alexander Bublik, the player he lost to in the fourth round of the French Open and who won the big grass-court warm-up event in Halle last weekend, his first scheduled seeded rival in the third round. Not long until the gates open 🕒#Wimbledon — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 27, 2025 Eight-time champion Novak Djokovic, who has made the final in every edition since 2017, could be waiting in the quarter-finals, with world number one Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals. Two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz is in the bottom half of the draw and will open the tournament on Centre Court on Monday against veteran Italian Fabio Fognini. Emma Raducanu will take on 17-year-old wild card Mimi Xu, one of three home teenage debutants, in an eye-catching opening round. The former US Open champion reached the fourth round last year but faces an uphill battle to do so again, with top seed Aryna Sabalenka and former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova both in her section. ✨ The opening round draw for the Brits at @Wimbledon in full: Jack Draper vs Sebastian BaezJacob Fearnley vs Joao FonsecaCam Norrie vs Roberto Bautista AgutBilly Harris vs Hubert HurkaczDan Evans vs Jay ClarkeJack Pinnington Jones vs Tomás Martín EtcheverryHenry Searle… — LTA (@the_LTA) June 27, 2025 It was a nightmare draw for the leading British women, with Katie Boulter – unseeded this year – taking on top-10 star Paula Badosa, while British number three Sonay Kartal faces 20th seed Jelena Ostapenko. Sixteen-year-olds Hannah Klugman and Mika Stojsavljevic also drew seeds, with the former facing former US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez and Stojsavljevic meeting Ashlyn Krueger. The bottom quarter of the women's event could throw up some big-hitting contests in the second week with Iga Swiatek potentially facing a fourth-round clash against former champion Elena Rybakina and a quarter-final with second seed Coco Gauff, having dropped to eighth in the rankings. Defending champion Barbora Krejcikova, meanwhile, will take on exciting Filipino teenager Alexandra Eala in the opening round, provided the Czech recovers from a leg injury in time. There is also an all-British contest in the first round of the men's draw, with veteran Dan Evans facing fellow wild card Jay Clarke. The winner of that is likely to get a shot at Djokovic while 21-year-old Oliver Tarvet, who came through qualifying to make it 23 British players in the main singles draws, has the carrot of a second-round meeting with Alcaraz if he can beat Leandro Riedi. British number two Jacob Fearnley will try to get a first win against hot Brazilian prospect Joao Fonseca while Cameron Norrie takes on veteran Roberto Bautista Agut, who performed strongly at Queen's Club. Hull's Johannus Monday was given the toughest draw of the British debutants on the men's side against 13th seed Tommy Paul, while Jack Pinnington Jones will take on Argentina's Tomas Etcheverry and Oliver Crawford faces Mattia Bellucci of Italy.
