- Sir Chris Hoy has revealed that last year’s prostate cancer diagnosis is terminal
- The British cycling icon has said he may only have ‘two to four years to live’
- Fans have responded on social media with an outpouring of sadness and support
Fans have reacted to the tragic news that British cycling icon Sir Chris Hoy has been diagnosed with terminal cancer.
The 48-year-old – who won six Olympic gold medals for Team GB between 2004 and 2012 – revealed in February that he had been diagnosed with cancer.
Now, tragically, he tells us that it is terminal and that he only has “two to four years to live.”
The stage four cancer diagnosis has left the cycling community – and the wider sporting world – in shock.
Fans have flooded social media with their reaction to the news, sharing both their sadness and support for the Scot and his family.
Six-time Olympic gold medalist Sir Chris Hoy has revealed his cancer diagnosis is terminal
Hoy (right) and wife Sarra (left) have been dealing with both his cancer diagnosis and her multiple sclerosis diagnosis
Heartfelt messages from fans came in on social platform
Another shared his disbelief, writing: ‘Terminal prostate cancer at the age of 48 for Sir Chris Hoy is insane. We should treat prostate cancer like cervical cancer. It is so easy to detect with a blood test.’
Others shared their support for Hoy and his family. One message simply read: ‘Sir Chris, stay strong and you will beat this. @sirchrishoy prayers for you and your family.”
One wrote: ‘This is devastating. What heroes Chris and wife Sarra are.’
Another added: ‘Very sad to hear of Sir Chris Hoy’s cancer diagnosis. Not only is it devastating for him, he will leave behind a young family.”
Another fan wrote: ‘Life can be so cruel.’
Others referred to his status as a modern British sporting legend: ‘What terrible news about Chris Hoy. A complete and utter legend. A man who truly embodies the Olympic spirit. Good luck Chris.”
Another echoed the sentiment: ‘Absolutely terrible news about Sir Chris Hoy, I’ve been watching the world track cycling and he looks so healthy, what terrible news, the greatest Olympic champion from these shores. We are all keeping our fingers crossed for you and thinking of you and your family. Never give up that fight. #CancerSucks’
Despite the news, Hoy has remained optimistic, saying in an interview with The Times: “I still feel like we’re lucky.”
Hoy’s cancer was discovered after a visit to the doctor in September last year when the Scot felt a strain in his shoulder.
A tumor was then discovered in his shoulder, before a second scan located the primary cancer in his prostate.
The prostate cancer had spread to Hoy’s bones, reaching his shoulder, pelvis, spine and ribs.
Fans flooded social media with tributes to the Olympic great after he announced the news
“You know, we’re all born and we’re all going to die, and this is just part of the process.
“You remind yourself, aren’t I lucky that I can take a drug that will hold this off for as long as possible.”
Hoy added that he had told his children that no one lives forever, but defiantly proclaimed that he hoped to “stay here for many, many more years.”
Hoy was knighted in 2008 while still an active athlete.
His royal recognition came shortly after he became the first British male Olympian in 100 years to win three gold medals at one Games.
Hoy – who won his first Olympic gold in 2004 – added two more at London 2012 before announcing his retirement from cycling in 2013.