Chris Hoy reveals cancer diagnosis, undergoes treatment

Cycling UCI Track Champions League Grand Finale London Lee Valley VeloPark London England Coaching Session with Sir Chris Hoy
Chris Hoy at the UCI Track Champions League Grand Finale in London in 2023 (Image credit: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com)

Chris Hoy has revealed that he was diagnosed with cancer in 2023 and is currently undergoing treatment. 

The six-time Olympic champion and 11-time World champion confirmed in a post published on Instagram on Friday that he is "optimistic, positive and surrounded by love" while adding that the last few months have been difficult.

"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," Hoy wrote.

"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."

Hoy won six gold medals at the Olympic Games in 2004 in Athens, 2008 in Beijing, and 2012 in London. He also won 11 world titles across 2002, 2004-2008, 2010 and 2012 in the 1km Time Trial, Team Sprint, Keirin, and Sprint events.

"For the sake of my young family, I had hoped to keep this information private but regrettably our hand has been forced. While 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," Hoy said.

Hoy did not disclose the type of cancer but said that he had no symptoms prior to his diagnosis. He said that he is currently undergoing treatment and that he will continue to work.

"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," he wrote. 

"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, 47, retired from professional cycling in 2013 with his record of 17 global titles across four disciplines.

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Kirsten Frattini
Deputy Editor

Kirsten Frattini is the Deputy Editor of Cyclingnews, overseeing the global racing content plan.

Kirsten has a background in Kinesiology and Health Science. She has been involved in cycling from the community and grassroots level to professional cycling's biggest races, reporting on the WorldTour, Spring Classics, Tours de France, World Championships and Olympic Games.

She began her sports journalism career with Cyclingnews as a North American Correspondent in 2006. In 2018, Kirsten became Women's Editor – overseeing the content strategy, race coverage and growth of women's professional cycling – before becoming Deputy Editor in 2023.