Sir Chris Hoy made a public appearance at the Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid this week, just days after sharing a positive health update. The six-time Olympic cycling champion, who is battling terminal prostate cancer, presented the World Breakthrough Award alongside former Olympic heptathlete Jessica Ennis-Hill.
The award was won by Formula One driver Lando Norris, who beat a shortlist including Paris Saint-Germain's Desire Doue, tennis prodigy Joao Fonseca, darts sensation Luke Littler and NBA star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Hoy, who serves as vice-chair of the Laureus Academy, described the evening as 'a wonderful celebration of sport'.
Hoy's attendance comes after a challenging period. In September 2023, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, which later spread to his bones. He revealed in October 2024 that the disease is stage four and terminal, with an estimated two to four years to live. Despite this, the Scot suffered an unrelated setback in November when he broke his leg in a serious mountain biking crash.
Earlier this month, Hoy shared on Instagram that he had returned to cycling for the first time since the accident. Posting a picture of a ride with friends in the Trough of Bowland, he wrote: 'What a day! First ride back with the lads... Fitness is coming back slowly but surely.' He also posted about his attendance at the Laureus Awards, thanking Ennis-Hill for co-presenting and congratulating Norris.
Ennis-Hill responded to Hoy's post, calling it a 'fantastic night', while TV presenter Dan Walker commented 'Looking dapper.' Fellow Laureus Academy members, including former hurdler Edwin Moses and ex-New Zealand rugby player Sean Fitzpatrick, also praised the event.
