Six-time Olympic cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy has announced that his cancer is terminal.
In an interview with the Sunday Times, Hoy says doctors have told him he has between two and four years to live.
He told the Sunday Times that he had been diagnosed with primary cancer in his prostate, which had spread to his bones – meaning it was stage four.
Later on Sunday, the legendary athlete said on Instagram that he was “feeling fit, strong and positive”.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting told the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg he was “in awe” of Sir Chris’s courage, positivity and “wonderful message of hope”, adding that the “whole nation will be cheering him on now” and sending love.
The 48-year-old Scot revealed earlier this year that he had been diagnosed with cancer. He had not previously disclosed the type of cancer.
Sir Chris won six Olympic golds between 2004 and 2012 – the second highest total by any British Olympian behind Sir Jason Kenny’s tally of seven.
He retired from cycling in 2013 and in recent years has been a regular pundit and commentator as part of BBC Sport’s cycling coverage.
Sir Chris told the newspaper he has known for a year that his cancer is terminal.
Tumours were discovered to his shoulder, pelvis, hip, spine and rib.
Sir Chris told the newspaper: “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.
“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 added: “Hand on heart, I’m pretty positive most of the time and I have genuine happiness. This is bigger than the Olympics. It’s bigger than anything. This is about appreciating life and finding joy.”
