Tennis legend Sir Andy Murray was overcome with emotion during a BBC Breakfast interview, speaking about the terminal cancer diagnosis of his friend and fellow sporting knight, Sir Chris Hoy.
Olympic champion's brave battle
The six-time Olympic cycling champion, Sir Chris Hoy, first revealed he was receiving treatment for prostate cancer in February 2024. In a devastating update in October 2024, the 49-year-old disclosed that his diagnosis was terminal after the primary cancer spread to his bones. Medical professionals have estimated he has between two and four years remaining.
Presenters Sally Nugent and Jon Kay addressed the news on Wednesday's edition of the BBC morning programme. Nugent highlighted that since his diagnosis, Hoy has dedicated himself to raising awareness of the disease and encouraging others with terminal illness to live life to the fullest.
Murray's heartfelt reaction
The discussion was part of a segment promoting a new BBC documentary titled Sir Chris Hoy: Cancer, Courage and Me. In a pre-recorded interview for the film, Sir Andy Murray recalled the moment he began to suspect his friend's condition.
"After I retired at the Olympics last year, the following day I went to the GB house and he interviewed me," Murray remembered. He later messaged Hoy, not wanting to ask directly in front of others, saying, "How are you doing? You seem really good." Hoy's reply about a charity bike ride to change perceptions around stage four cancer raised Murray's suspicions.
"I said to my wife, I was like, 'I think he has stage four cancer based on the message'. But I didn't want to ask," Murray explained. "It was literally, maybe the next day, two days later, that he announced it publicly for the first time."
At this point in the interview, Murray became visibly upset, pausing to wipe away tears. He described feeling "really upset" by the news, calling it "cruel" for a young, fit man with a young family who had dedicated his life to health and fitness.
A mission to raise awareness
Murray praised Hoy's character, describing him as "an all-round great person" who is "incredibly humble". He emphasised Hoy's proactive response to his diagnosis: "He's obviously got this terrible diagnosis, but now [he asks], 'What is it that I can actually do about that?'"
Cycling champion Dame Laura Kenny also featured in the documentary segment, growing emotional as she described Hoy as a "superhero" and saying her "heart broke" upon hearing the news.
The new documentary will feature Chris Hoy and his wife Sarra, who recently appeared on the BBC Breakfast sofa, sharing their story in the hope of changing public perceptions of terminal illness.
If you would like more information or support about living with cancer or treatment, you can visit Macmillan Cancer Support or Stand Up to Cancer.
