16 February 2024 , 18:51
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Sir Chris Hoy has said he is being treated for cancer in a post on his Instagram.
The six-time Olympic champion says he was diagnosed last year and is currently receiving treatment including chemotherapy. He said: "I have a bit of news. Last year I was diagnosed with cancer, which came as a huge shock, having had no symptoms up to that point.
"I'm currently receiving treatment including chemotherapy which thankfully is going really well. I'd like to extend my sincere gratitude to all the medical professionals for their amazing help and care.
"For the sake of my young family, I had hoped to keep this information private but regrettably our hand has been forced. Whilst I'm thankful for any support, I'd like to deal with this privately. My heart goes out to the many others who are also going through similar challenges right now.
"I'm optimistic, positive and surrounded by love for which I'm truly grateful. As you might imagine, the last few months have been incredibly difficult. However, I currently feel fine - I am continuing to work, ride my bike and live my life as normal.
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"It's an exciting year of work ahead, not least with the Paris Olympics in July. I can't wait to get stuck in, have fun and share it with you all."
Hoy is the second greatest Olympian ever to be produced by the United Kingdom in terms of medals. His haul of seven is only better by Sir Jason Kenny. Hoy's success began with a silver at the Olympics in 2000 but following that he picked up golds at each of the next three games.
Sir Chris Hoy is one of the UK's greatest ever OlympiansThat included three golds in Beijing in 2008 before he picked up two more at the home games in London. He was also named the BBC's Sport Personality of the Year before being knighted the following year.
Hoy also enjoyed rich success in the Commonwealth Games - picking up four medals. He won gold and bronze in 2002 before replicating that four years later. The Scot was also immensely successful in the World Championships, picking up his first medal in 1999. Hoy was still winning 13 years later, accumulating 11 golds in that time.
Aged 36, he emotionally confirmed his retirement in 2013, despite the lure of a Commonwealth Games in Glasgow the following year. He said: "Nothing would give me more pleasure than going to Glasgow, but I don't want to be there for the numbers.
"Being objective, I got every last drop out in London. Now it's time for younger riders to experience what it is like to compete in front of a home crowd. To try and go for another year would be too much, one year too far for me. I'd rather step aside and let someone else have their opportunity.
"I don't want this to be a sad moment. There's always a temptation of going on too long but you can tell when you're good, but not good enough."
Hoy was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2008 (PA)Gary Lineker is among those to begin wishing Hoy all the best with his recovery as he said on social media: "Awful news. Wishing @chrishoy a full recovery. Such a lovely guy."
Dan Walker added: "Horrible news. Wonderful athlete and wonderful fella. Sending all my love to the big man and his family".
Hoy married his wife Sarra Kemp, Lady Hoy, in 2010 at St Giles' Cathedral. Together they have a son, Callum, and a daughter, Chloe.
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Earlier this year it was Hoy led a virtual bike ride to raise funds for the charity named after Scotland rugby legend Doddie Weir. Star Wars actor Ewan McGregor, football great Ally McCoist and TV presenter Lorraine Kelly were among those taking part in the event which was launched to fund research into motor neurone disease (MND).
Back in January the brand Skarper, which Hoy if a founding investor in, partnered with the Red Bull’s Formula 1 team to help develop a technology that can convert any bicycle into an electric bike. The device, which is expected to be launched later in 2024, contains a 250-watt motor with a range of 60km. It can be attached to any bicycle to convert into an electric one.