- The Scotsman said he had hoped to keep it private but his ‘hands were forced’
Six-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy has revealed he is being treated for cancer.
The former track cyclist announced the news on Instagram by saying he had ‘hoped to keep this information private’ but his hands were forced.
The 47-year-old is the second most decorated Olympic cyclist of all time and the most successful Scottish Olympian ever, with a total of one silver and six gold medals to his name.
Writing on social media, he said: ‘Last year I was diagnosed with cancer, which came as a huge shock, having had no symptoms up to that point.
‘I’m currently receiving treatment including chemotherapy which thankfully is going really well.
Chris Hoy pictured during the London 2012 Olympics, where he won two gold medals
The Scotsman, 47, shared this post announcing the news to his 57,300 followers on Instagram
‘For the sake of my young family, I had hoped to keep this information private but regrettably our hand has been forced. Whilst I’m thankful for any support, I’d like to deal with this privately.
‘I’m optimistic, positive and surrounded by love for which I’m truly grateful. As you might imagine, the last few months have been incredibly difficult.’
He ended the post by saying there is still an exciting work of year ahead ‘not least with the Paris Olympics in July’.
Between 2012 and 2021 he was the most successful British Olympian and has won more Olympic gold medals in separate events than any other cyclist.
He won his first silver medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympic games before winning gold in 2004 at Athens.
In Beijing he won three golds and a further two more at the London 2012 Games.
Sir Chris leads Team GB into the London Olympic Stadium for the opening ceremony in 2012
He is the second most decorated Olympic cyclist of all time, with six gold and one silver medal
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