Sir Chris Hoy courage praised as he reveals terminal cancer

Sir Chris Hoy has been celebrated as "inspiring" for sharing a "beautiful message of hope" following the announcement of his terminal cancer diagnosis.

The six-time Olympic cycling champion spoke with the Sunday Times in an interview, where he shared that doctors have informed him he has a prognosis of two to four years left to live.

Messages of support for Sir Chris have flooded in from athletes, politicians, and countless others on social media following his Instagram post on Sunday, where he expressed that he is "feeling fit, strong, and positive."

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasized that the entire nation supports the 48-year-old, while Health Secretary Wes Streeting expressed his admiration for the Scottish leader's bravery and optimistic outlook.

Sir Chris informed the Sunday Times that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer that has progressed to his bones, indicating that it is in the fourth stage.

The famous athlete announced earlier this year that he had received a cancer diagnosis, but he hadn't shared which specific type of cancer it was until now.

After the interview was released, the star shared on Instagram Sunday that he was in Copenhagen with the BBC Sport crew reporting on the World Track Cycling Championships.

Sir Chris has been on BBC Two throughout the week, co-hosting the championships.

"This weekend, you might come across some news articles regarding my health. I want to take a moment to let everyone know that I’m doing well—feeling healthy, strong, and optimistic. I am truly grateful for all the love and support that my family and I have received," he stated in the post.

The post received a lot of encouraging remarks, including one from former Olympic cyclist Mark Cavendish, who referred to Sir Chris as an "incredible person."

Olympic athletics legend Dame Kelly Holmes expressed her support by saying, "Sending you love, Chris." Meanwhile, the British Cycling account shared an emoji depicting two hands forming a heart.

"We're all brought into this world, and eventually we all pass away; it's simply a natural part of life," Sir Chris shared with the Sunday Times.

You think to yourself how fortunate you are to have access to medicine that can help keep this at bay for as long as possible.

Sir Chris shared with the newspaper that he has been aware for a year that his cancer is incurable.

Tumors were found in his shoulder, pelvis, hip, spine, and ribcage.

Olympic medalist boxer Anthony Ogogo shared a photo of himself alongside Sir Chris on X, describing him as a "role model," an "inspiration," and a "hero."

James Cracknell, an ex-Olympic rower for Team GB, expressed on social media that Sir Chris is "even more inspiring today than he was at the height of his remarkable sports career."

Scottish First Minister John Swinney commended Hoy for his remarkable bravery in a message on X, noting that he has consistently motivated us with his achievements.

In an appearance on the Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg show, Health Secretary Wes Streeting remarked that Sir Chris is “not the only one” facing a terminal cancer diagnosis. He also emphasized that Sir Chris has provided a tremendous service to the nation by being candid and optimistic about his situation.

"That's even more valuable than all the Olympic gold medals he has accumulated throughout his career," he said.

The Olympian from Edinburgh was diagnosed with cancer last year during a standard scan for shoulder discomfort. He believed he had hurt himself while working out with weights at the gym, but the scan showed a tumor instead.

The sportsman received his life-ending diagnosis while he was alongside his wife Sarra. At that moment, they had two kids, Callum and Chloe, who were nine and six years old, respectively.

Shortly before Sir Chris's tumor was found, Sarra had tests that would later reveal she had multiple sclerosis, an illness that causes deterioration of the nervous system.

Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown remarked that bravery has been a hallmark of Sir Chris's career and now also shapes how both Chris and Sarra confront their health challenges and approach life.

In an interview with Stephen Nolan on BBC Radio 5 Live, Simon Richardson, who edits Cycling Weekly, described Sir Chris as "the perfect example of an Olympic champion."

Sir Chris, who got his initial motivation to start cycling from the iconic BMX moments in the movie E.T., had achieved remarkable success by the time he retired, securing six Olympic gold medals, 11 world championships, and 43 World Cup titles.

The cyclist initially took home a gold medal at the Athens Olympics in 2004, and he went on to earn three more golds four years later in Beijing. He added two additional gold medals at the London 2012 Olympics before retiring from cycling in 2013.

His collection of six Olympic gold medals ranks as the second highest for any British athlete, following Sir Jason Kenny, who holds the record with seven.