Olympic gold medallist Chris Hoy says he is being treated for cancer
Six-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy has revealed that he has been diagnosed with cancer.
The former track cyclist said in a statement he hoped to keep the news of his diagnosis secret but his âhand has been forcedâ.
Sir Chris, who is an 11-time world champion, said he was currently undergoing treatment for the disease including chemotherapy, adding: âI currently feel fine.â
He said: âI have a bit of news. Last year I was diagnosed with cancer, which came as a huge shock, having had no symptoms up to that point.
âIâm currently receiving treatment, including chemotherapy, which thankfully is going really well. Iâd like to extend my sincere gratitude to all the medical professionals for their amazing help and care.
âFor the sake of my young family, I had hoped to keep this information private, but regrettably our hand has been forced.
âIâm optimistic, positive and surrounded by love for which Iâm truly grateful. As you might imagine, the last few months have been incredibly difficult.
âHowever, I currently feel fine â I am continuing to work, ride my bike and live my life as normal.
âMy heart goes out to the many others who are also going through similar challenges right now.
The Scot, originally from Edinburgh, asked for privacy following the announcement and extended his âsincere gratitudeâ to medical professionals for their âamazing help and careâ.
He added: âWhile Iâm thankful for any support, Iâd like to deal with this privately.
âMy heart goes out to the many others who are also going through similar challenges right now.â
The Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) charity, of which Sir Chris is an ambassador, paid tribute to him after he revealed the news of his illness.
Billy Watson, chief executive of SAMH, said: âWe are incredibly proud to have Sir Chris as our longstanding ambassador and send our heartfelt support to Chris and his family.
âWe know Chrisâs commitment to the mental health cause remains as strong as ever, and we look forward to working with him in the period ahead.â
Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker tweeted: âAwful news. Wishing @chrishoy a full recovery. Such a lovely guy.â
Sir Chris racked up his Olympic gold medals and one silver at three games including the London Olympics in 2012.
He was previously the most successful British Olympian until his medal tally was surpassed by Sir Jason Kenny at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.
In 2008, Sir Chris was named the BBCâs Sport Personality of the Year, and he was knighted the following year.
Sir Chris retired from cycling in 2013 when he was aged 36 after deciding to not compete at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
At the time he said: âI wanted to get a medal for Scotland. I didnât think I could so wanted someone else to take my place.
âIt is a hard time â it is one moment at the end of your career when you say enough is enough.â
