Six-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy is set to make a poignant return to Alexandra Palace this Saturday for the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship final. The cycling icon will attend in his capacity as an ambassador for Prostate Cancer UK, a cause close to his heart following his own terminal diagnosis.
Hoy's Verdict on Luke Littler's Remarkable Talent
Reflecting on last year's tournament, where he presented the trophy to a then 17-year-old Luke Littler, Hoy expressed profound admiration for the darts prodigy. Speaking to Sky Sports, the Team GB legend highlighted Littler's extraordinary composure under pressure.
"What was remarkable was how Luke Littler, even if he'd been in his late 30s, early 40s, a veteran of his sport, he would still be impressive, but he was 17," Hoy stated. He emphasised that the skill and mental fortitude required in darts normally takes decades to master, making Littler's achievements all the more incredible.
Hoy described the young champion as a "true marvel," noting his unique ability to appear unaffected by the immense pressure and chaos of the world championship stage. He praised Littler's continued performance at the highest level since his historic win.
Charity Drive Behind Final Appearance
Hoy's presence at the Ally Pally is directly linked to a major fundraising campaign. Tournament sponsor Paddy Power has partnered with Prostate Cancer UK for its 'Even Bigger 180' initiative. The campaign pledges £1,000 for every 180 scored during the championship, plus a staggering £180,000 for every nine-dart finish.
Earlier this week, Hoy posted on social media, celebrating the campaign's success: "Fantastic to see @paddypowerofficial's 'The Even Bigger 180' campaign raising over £1m so far for @prostatecanceruk at the World Darts Championships with 4 days still to go."
The funds are destined to support men and their families across the UK affected by prostate cancer. In a related charitable effort, the Darts of Destiny campaign has already generated over £120,000, with one donor selected to attempt a nine-dart finish on the Ally Pally stage for a chance to win £180,000.
Health Update and Personal Perspective
Sir Chris Hoy publicly revealed his prostate cancer diagnosis in February 2024, sharing the terminal prognosis in October of that year. Doctors have indicated he has between two to four years to live. Despite this, the 49-year-old has dedicated himself to raising awareness and vital funds for research and support.
In a recent appearance on The Sports Agents podcast, Hoy provided an update on his wellbeing. "I'm doing all right. It's been a funny couple of years, but it changes your perspective on everything, and you learn to kind of live more in the moment," he shared. He added that he is responding positively to his treatment.
His recovery is also underway from a separate incident—a broken leg sustained in a serious mountain bike accident. Hoy spoke with characteristic resilience about facing a serious health diagnosis, stating it leads to a period of acceptance before finding a way to move forward, especially for the sake of family and responsibilities.
The Scottish sports hero, who also claimed 11 world titles in cycling, continues to use his platform to make a tangible difference, turning personal challenge into a powerful force for charitable good.
