A gold medal winner from Northern Ireland has paid tribute to fellow Olympian Sir Chris Hoy as “a wonderful individual”, after the shocking news of his terminal cancer prognosis.
The former Team GB cyclist revealed in an interview with the Sunday Times that he has two to four years to live, after being diagnosed with prostate cancer last year.
The news came shortly before his wife Sarra’s diagnosis with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Speaking with the Sunday Times about his cancer, which was revealed following a scan in September 2023, Sir Chris said: “As unnatural as it feels, this is nature.
“You know, we were all born to die, and this is just part of the process.”
Tributes poured in in support of the athlete and his family, made up of wife Sarra and two children aged seven and 10.
Stephen Martin
Co Down sportsman Stephen Martin, who won gold as part of Great Britain’s field hockey team at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, described the six-time Olympic gold champion as “one of Team GB’s most successful medallists”.
“I was Team GB deputy chef de mission at his first two Olympic Games in Sydney and Athens,” said the fellow Olympian.
“Chris is a wonderful individual, very humble, always very grateful for those who helped shape his career.
“He has gone on to become an ambassador for his sport and an insightful commentator. The news of his cancer diagnosis has shocked us all. Courage has defined his sporting career and now these characteristics are needed as Chris and Sarra both face their health diagnoses.
“My thoughts and those of the wider Olympic family are with them and their family.”
Read more
Also sharing his sympathy was the Prime Minister. Sir Keir Starmer took to X (formerly Twitter) to pay his own tribute to the Edinburgh born track cyclist.
“Such sad news. Chris is a British sporting legend. To face his diagnosis with such positivity is inspiring. The whole country is behind him and his family.”
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: “I’m in awe that Chris Hoy is meeting his cancer with the same positivity and resilience that has defined his life and career.
“The whole county will be cheering him on as we have done so many times before and sending him and his family so much love.”
Scottish First Minister John Swinney said: “He has always inspired us by all that he has done. He is a person of incredible courage and that shines through today.”
Four time Olympic gold medalist, Matthew Pinsent, said: “Chris Hoy is one of the finest to ever represent our country. Thoughts with him, Sarra and his immediate family.”
Presenter for 5 News and Classic FM, Dan Walker wrote on X: “Blown away by the resilience and determination of Sir Chris Hoy this morning.
“Shortly [before] being told he has between two to four years to live because of his terminal cancer, his lovely wife Sarra, was diagnosed with MS. The man remains an incredible inspiration. Sending love to the whole family.”
Sir Chris Hoy won his first gold at the 2004 Athens Olympics, he would go on to secure three more in Beijing in 2008. At London 2012, he won his two latest golds.
He was chosen as the flag bearer for Team GB at the closing ceremony of his victorious 2008 Olympics, and one again for the opening of London 2012.
In addition to his expert cycling coverage, Sir Chris has also written several children’s books.