Six-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy has shared a deeply personal reflection on his cancer diagnosis, revealing an unexpected silver lining to his health battle.
The cycling legend, 47, stunned fans last year when he announced he'd been diagnosed with cancer. Now in remission, Hoy explains how the experience surprisingly made him feel "lucky" for the perspective it brought.
A shocking diagnosis with a surprising outcome
"When you're faced with something like this, it makes you realise what's truly important," Hoy revealed. The sporting icon described how his diagnosis in 2022 forced him to slow down and appreciate life's simple pleasures after years of relentless training and competition.
The champion's new perspective
Rather than dwelling on the negative, Hoy chooses to focus on the positive changes his illness brought: "I've been granted this time to really appreciate life in a way I never did before." The former athlete admits he previously took his health for granted during his record-breaking career.
Life lessons from the track to treatment
Hoy draws parallels between his sporting mentality and cancer battle: "The same determination that won Olympic medals helped me through treatment." However, he notes a crucial difference - learning to accept help from others, something the fiercely independent champion struggled with during his cycling days.
The Edinburgh-born star remains characteristically upbeat, concluding: "If this experience has taught me anything, it's that every day is a gift. I'm lucky to have had that wake-up call." His remarkable outlook serves as an inspiration to others facing health challenges.
