‘Hero of a human being’ – Outpouring of support as Sir Chris Hoy reveals his cancer is terminal

There’s been an outpouring of support for Sir Chris Hoy after the Olympic great revealed his cancer is terminal and he has between two and four years to live.

A host of sport and entertainment stars replied to his latest Instagram post in which he said he was “overwhelmed by all the love”.

Fellow cycling legend Sir Mark Cavendish called him a “hero of a human being”, while former Scotland footballer and pundit Ally McCoist posted: “You, my friend are a superstar in every sense of the word. Love and strength from us all.”

Sir Chris Hoy’s terminal diagnosis could save countless lives

There were also messages of support from Olympic and Paralympic champions Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill and Dame Sarah Storey, as well as TV personalities Jack Whitehall and Paddy McGuinness.

“Chris Hoy is one of the finest to ever represent our country. Thoughts with him, Sarra and his immediate family,” said British rowing great Sir Matthew Pinsent on X.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer added his voice to the well wishes, posting: “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.”

That sentiment was echoed by Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who told Sky News’ Trevor Phillips he was “in awe” of the “optimism and positivity” shown by Sir Chris in such a difficult situation.

Sir Chris revealed in February he was being treated for cancer, but told The Sunday Times today he has terminal prostate cancer and has known for more than a year.

The six-time Olympic champion said the disease was now incurable and had spread to his bones, with tumours in his shoulder, pelvis, hip, spine and rib.

“As unnatural as it feels, this is nature. You know, we were all born and we all die, and this is just part of the process,” he told the newspaper.

“You remind yourself, aren’t I lucky that there is medicine I can take that will fend this off for as long as possible.”

Sir Chris said a tumour was initially found in his shoulder last year and a follow-up scan revealed the primary cancer was in his prostate.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and most cases develop in people aged 50 or older. Some cases can be cured if treated in the early stages.

The 48-year-old Scot is married with two children aged seven and 10 – and his wife Sarra also has significant health challenges.

Sir Chris said she was diagnosed with “very active and aggressive” multiple sclerosis just a month or so after he found out about his stage-four cancer.

The former Olympian was part of the BBC’s Paris 2024 coverage in the summer and is now with the broadcaster at the world track cycling championships.

Posting a photo with the team, he said: “You may see in the news this weekend some articles about my health, so I just wanted to reassure you all that I’m feeling fit, strong and positive, and overwhelmed by all the love and support shown to my family and me. Onwards!”

Read more from Sky News:
Storm Ashley hits with winds of up to 80mph expected
Elon Musk vows to give away $1m a day

Sir Chris is an 11-time world champion with six Olympic gold medals and one silver at three different games – Athens, Beijing and London in 2012.

He retired in 2013 and since then has been a regular TV pundit as well as competing in motorsport events, including the famous Le Mans 24 race in 2016.