Sir Chris Hoy says getting cancer diagnosis was like 'death sentence' in honest admission

Wales Online

21 hours ago

Sir Chris Hoy says getting cancer diagnosis was like 'death sentence' in honest admission
Sir Chris Hoy has spoken in brutally honest terms about his terminal cancer diagnosis and the effect it had on him as he tries to maintain a positive outlook
Sir Chris Hoy has opened up about his cancer diagnosis
(Image: Phil Walter, Getty Images )
Sir Chris Hoy is maintaining an optimistic outlook despite acknowledging that his cancer diagnosis felt like getting a "death sentence."
In February 2024, Hoy revealed he was undergoing treatment for prostate cancer. The Scottish cycling icon, who secured six Olympic gold medals throughout his illustrious career, received a stage four prostate cancer diagnosis in 2023 after consulting a doctor about shoulder pain.
‌
What began as a routine scan turned into a life-changing event for the 49-year-old when a tumour was detected. In October, Hoy explained that the primary cancer had metastasised to his bones and doctors had given him a prognosis of two to four years to live. Opening up about his condition, which is treatable but incurable and ultimately terminal, Hoy told the Sunday Times: "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. 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. This is bigger than the Olympics. It's bigger than anything. This is about appreciating life and finding joy."
However, Hoy has recently provided an update on his health while competing in the Mustang Challenge Le Mans Invitational with Chris Harris, reports the Mirror. In a conversation with TNT Sport about his participation at Le Mans, Hoy said: "I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer almost two years ago now, and it shocked me, it rocked my world.
"It changed everything in one sentence, you're told that's not curable, but it's treatable. So suddenly, you have this death sentence, and it's terrifying, but I'm here to show that life goes on for many people in that situation," he continued, maintaining a courageous outlook.
Article continues below
Competing as part of the Academy Motorsport team on Friday, Hoy and Harris achieved a commendable 20th-place finish, clocking in at 37:34.746 in the Mustang Dark Horse R. They recorded their fastest lap time on the fifth of eight laps, finishing in 4:30.864.
Chris Hoy won six Olympic gold medals
(Image: PA )
It isn't Hoy's first experience at the renowned Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans; he notably competed in the 2016 Le Mans Proper driving for Algarve Pro Racing in the LMP2 category. In that race, Hoy secured 17th place overall out of 60 competitors and finished 12th in his class.
‌
Reflecting on the significance of the event, he said: "It's always been the endurance event. If you get the chance as an amateur driver, this is the cherry on top of the icing on top of the cake, this is the big one.
"I still pinch myself that I got to do it, when you watch on TV or come to watch it live, I still can't quite believe I was out there, elbows out with the big boys. It's different to anywhere else I've been to.
"Not many people ever get to race on this track or drive on this track. It was an incredible experience, unlike anything else I've ever done in any sport, let alone in motorsport."
Article continues below
Sir Chris Hoy raced in the 2016 Le Mans Proper
(Image: 2016 Getty Images )
It comes as Hoy gears up to participate in the Tour de 4 this September, a mass participation charity bike ride with ambitions to raise £1million for UK-based cancer charities and also to change public perceptions of stage four cancer. Reflecting on the event's purpose, he added: "The bike ride is to try and get as many people together as possible, not just people suffering with cancer but anybody, to show we can keep on living, make the most of every day and live in the present, because that's all any of us have."
Set to start and conclude at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow on 7 September 2025, the Tour de 4 provides four distinctive rides, catering for a range of participants. The array includes the 56-mile Red Ride for the more experienced participants, and the Yellow Ride that enables those impacted by cancer to cycle on static bikes within the heart of the iconic venue, ranging from a brief one-minute stint up to a full 20 minutes.