Olympic cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy has confirmed he will present the Sid Waddell Trophy at the World Darts Championship final this Saturday night, overcoming significant personal health challenges to fulfil the role.
Overcoming Adversity to Return to Ally Pally
The 49-year-old will return to Alexandra Palace a year after handing the trophy to teenage sensation Luke Littler. His appearance comes after he broke his leg in what he described as the 'worst crash' of his 43-year cycling career during a mountain bike accident in December.
Speaking to Sky Sports last month, Hoy revealed the extent of the injury. 'I've smashed up my leg on the mountain bike,' he said. 'That's the worst thing that's happened recently. You just don't bounce like you do when you're younger.' Despite still using crutches, he remained determined to attend, stating he hoped to be 'a bit more mobile' for the final on January 3.
Championing a Vital Cause Amid Personal Fight
Hoy's resilience extends far beyond his recent accident. In September 2023, he was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer, which later spread to his bones. Despite the terminal diagnosis in October 2024, he has maintained a remarkably positive public stance.
His role at the darts is deeply connected to this battle. Hoy is a campaign ambassador for the 'Even Bigger 180' initiative, where sponsors Paddy Power donate £1,000 to Prostate Cancer UK for every 180 scored, plus £180,000 for every nine-dart finish. Ahead of the quarter-finals, the tournament had already witnessed 1,002 maximums.
'Fantastic to see Paddy Power "The Even Bigger 180" campaign raising over £1million so far for @prostatecanceruk at the World Darts Championship with four days to go,' Hoy said. 'The funds raised will make a tangible difference in the fight against prostate cancer.'
A Message of Hope and Stability
In a promising update on his health, Hoy told Sky Sports that his condition is currently 'stable' thanks to successful treatment. He expressed faith in ongoing scientific progress, hoping that one day a terminal prostate cancer diagnosis will be a thing of the past.
'Once you've got past the diagnosis... you start the treatment,' he explained. 'Then, if you're lucky like me, you respond to the treatment and enter a period of kind of stability.'
The winner of Saturday's final will receive a record £1 million prize, after the pot was doubled. As the new champion lifts the Sid Waddell Trophy, they will receive it from a sporting icon demonstrating extraordinary courage both on and off the stage.
