Sir Chris Hoy says his terminal cancer diagnosis has given him something many others never get: time to reflect, reset priorities and truly appreciate life.
The Olympic legend, who revealed in October that he has stage four prostate cancer, has become a powerful voice for early detection and a living example that serious illness need not mean the end of meaningful living.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Hoy reflected on friends who died suddenly, without the chance to say goodbye.
He said: ‘What would they have given for that? And therefore, for me, I think: “Well, aren’t I lucky?” Look at the privilege I’ve got, the time to really appreciate life.’
Hoy had no symptoms before his diagnosis. Then a sore shoulder led to a scan, which revealed a tumour. Further tests confirmed the cancer had spread to his bones. He was 47.
Since then, Hoy, now 49, has thrown himself into raising awareness — particularly for men over 45 or those with risk factors like a family history.
Sir Chris Hoy feels ‘lucky’ after his cancer diagnosis gave him ‘time to really appreciate life’
Hoy pictured earlier this year at an event alongside Prostate Cancer UK’s CEO Laura Kerby
His own father was diagnosed with prostate cancer shortly before the London 2012 Olympics, but made a full recovery thanks to early detection.
Hoy has also seen the impact of speaking out. NHS data shows a sharp rise in urological cancer referrals since his announcement, while Prostate Cancer UK has reported a major spike in risk assessments among men.
He’s not one to seek praise — in fact, he draws inspiration from others who spoke publicly about their diagnoses, including Rob Burrow and Doddie Weir.
‘They stood up and they smiled and they used humour and they recognised that they could make a difference. I don’t really see myself in the same vein as those two, but if I could have any impact at all…’
Hoy is currently training for his September event, the Tour de 4, a mass-participation charity ride with routes for all abilities. He’ll be tackling the toughest 56-mile route and says the goal is to challenge public perceptions of what living with stage four cancer can look like.
He’s also clear-eyed about the emotional toll of his diagnosis — including the fear, panic and difficult conversations with his children. But he credits his family, his support network, and the simple power of staying in the present for getting him through.
‘It’s the fear of the future that causes anxiety and stress for most people,’ he said. ‘So it’s not allowing yourself to fast forward and try and predict what’s going to happen because you never know.’
Hoy’s wife Sarra was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis just weeks after his own news. The couple have faced both challenges side by side, and Sarra is now training for Tour de 4 too.
Hoy and wife Sarra pictured in March this year at Westminster Abbey on Commonwealth Day
Cycling legend Hoy was in the Royal Box for the men’s singles final at Wimbledon this summer
Hoy celebrates with his gold medal after the final of the men’s Keirin at the 2012 Olympics
Between workouts, Hoy has returned to motor racing, recently driving at Le Mans with Top Gear’s Chris Harris.
But he insists the everyday moments matter most — time with his children, a good film, a shared laugh.
He hopes his public platform will help others facing cancer feel less alone, and inspire men to get checked before it’s too late.
‘If my legacy is that less men are dying from prostate cancer, that would be incredible,’ he concluded.
