Six-time cycling gold medalist Sir Chris Hoy reveals he has terminal cancer

“I’m not trying to pretend that every day is amazing. But I have genuine moments of joy… I’m back to my old self,” she said.

Sir Chris told The Sunday Times: “As unnatural as it sounds, that’s nature.”

He added: “You know, we’re all born and we all die, and that’s just part of the process.

“You remind yourself, I’m not lucky there’s any medicine I can take that will prevent this for as long as possible.”

The diagnosis was a big shock

Hoy, who was a pundit for the BBC covering the 2024 Paris Olympics in the summer, was such a dominant force in sprint cycling that he had won six Olympic, 11 world and 34 World Cup titles when retired from competitions in 2013. .

He is the third most decorated British Olympian of all time, with six gold medals and one silver in his career.

Sir Chris said the diagnosis came as a “huge shock”.

He wrote: “I have some news. I was diagnosed with cancer last year, which was a huge shock, having had no symptoms until then.”

Sir Chris extended his “heartfelt thanks” to the medical professionals for their “incredible help and care”.

The Scot said: “While I am grateful for any support, I would like to deal with this privately.

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

“I am optimistic, positive and surrounded by love for which I am truly grateful. As you can imagine, the last few months have been incredibly difficult. However, I’m doing well at the moment.”

Wes Streeting, the health secretary, who received treatment for kidney cancer in 2021, told Sky News Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips: “He is such an inspirational guy and I thought it was particularly true in the way he has told about his terminal cancer diagnosis today.

“I think they have potentially two to four years left to live and yet to maintain that optimism and positivity that has characterized their life and career is remarkable.”

He added: “I’m actually in awe of how he’s handling this, because I’m not sure how I would react in the same situation.”

Sir Mark Cavendish, who holds the record for most stages won in the Tour de France, was among those to send messages in response, describing his fellow cyclist as a “human hero”.

Former Scotland footballer turned commentator Ally McCoist said: “You my friend are a superstar in every sense of the word”, while fellow Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes, Britain’s most successful Paralympian Dame Storey , comedian Jack Whitehall, British cyclist and reigning world sprint champion. Harrie Lavreysen was among those who responded with messages of support.

AX fellow multiple Olympic champion Sir Matthew Pinsent said his thoughts were with Sir Chris and his family, describing him as “one of the best ever to represent our country”.