Sir Chris Hoy has revealed that the mental battles he faces are the "biggest challenge" of his terminal cancer diagnosis. The 50-year-old former track cyclist was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2023, and later told it had spread to his bones, leaving him with two to four years to live.
'Some days are tough'
In an interview with The Big Issue, the six-time Olympic champion said: "The mental side of a cancer diagnosis is probably the biggest challenge by far. The physical side is difficult, but the mental side is a real challenge." He added: "I don't want to present myself as someone doing really well, everything's great, I've cracked it. There are some days where it's really tough. There are ups and downs."
Staying positive and raising awareness
Hoy, who continues to live life to the fullest, said he copes by focusing on the present. "You can get through the most difficult of moments if you bring yourself back to the here and now and don't try and think too far ahead," he said. Since his diagnosis, he has raised awareness and funds for cancer research, including his charity cycling event Tour de 4.
He is also involved in Glasgow's 2026 Commonwealth Games, having taken part in the opening ceremony and providing track cycling punditry. Last year, he told Sky Sports his condition had stabilised: "I've entered a bit of a stability stage at the moment. I'm feeling good, exercising, riding the bike, busy and most importantly cancer is not the first thing I think about in the morning..."
