Sir Chris Hoy has sent his support to Team GB star David Smith, who has "not moved in over seven months" as he battles cancer. The Scottish rower claimed gold at the 2012 Summer Paralympic Games.
Smith, 48, disclosed in February that he was paralysed from the neck down and had been given just a few months to live following a lengthy battle with cancer. In an emotional update on Instagram, the sporting legend urged followers to "treasure the gift of life".
He received support from cycling legend Hoy, who is facing his own terminal cancer diagnosis. The six-time Olympic gold medallist said: "Sending love and strength big man. You will never know how much we are all willing you on."
Emotional Instagram update
Earlier this week, Smith wrote on Instagram: "I have now not moved in over seven months and I found myself back in hospital struggling to breathe."
"I'm sorry if I've not replied to your messages I'm very humbled by all the support and it certainly gets me through the darkest of moments."
"I'm fighting very hard but I can't lie this is extremely challenging I just want to say thank you for coming on this journey with me and treasure the gift of life. I would give anything right now to be able to sit in the mountains and just drink my own cup of coffee."
Career and health battles
Born with a club foot, for the first three years of his life, Smith had to endure having his bones repeatedly broken and reset to correct his alignment. The Scotsman initially trained in karate and pursued careers in sprinting and bobsleigh before being introduced to rowing in 2009. Three years later, he claimed a gold medal for Team GB in the mixed coxed four event at the London Games.
He had already overcome one cancer diagnosis before his Paralympic glory. Smith underwent surgery in 2010 after doctors discovered a tumour within his spinal cord, which left him temporarily paralysed.
After retiring from rowing in 2014, the gold medallist set his sights on competing at the 2016 Rio Games as a cyclist. However, he was forced to miss out due to undergoing life-saving surgery after the tumour returned in 2015.
Recent surgery and support
Last year, Smith shared that he had undergone emergency brain surgery following the discovery of three tumours. The diagnosis came after the Paralympian experienced blurred vision, fatigue and headaches in August 2025.
He initially dismissed the symptoms until family members urged him to seek medical attention last October. Smith underwent a six-hour operation to remove a tumour the size of an orange, followed by another vital procedure to address a build-up of fluid on his brain.
The tumours were confirmed to be benign, though David was receiving radiotherapy to shrink the remaining two growths.
Following this week's update, Hoy said that he was "sending love and strength" to Smith, while his wife Sarra commented: "We all worship and adore you David! You teach us so much."
