Sir Chris Hoy, a six-time Olympic gold medalist, is facing his toughest challenge yet - a terminal cancer diagnosis that has forced him to reframe his life and purpose. The Scottish cyclist, 49, was diagnosed with incurable secondary bone cancer in September last year, giving him just two to four years to live.
But instead of letting the diagnosis define him, Hoy has channelled his Olympic-honed mindset into a mission to raise awareness and funds for other people living with cancer. He has worked closely with sports psychologist Steve Peters, who helped him navigate his emotional response to the diagnosis and find new purpose in life.
"For me, it's about process, not outcome," Hoy said in an interview with BBC Sport. "Focus on what you have control over. But if you win or lose, it's not life and death." This mindset is one he used to great success during his Olympic career, but now he's applying it to a much bigger challenge.
Hoy has been open about the emotional toll of his diagnosis, including a breakdown after learning of the terminal prognosis. However, with Peters' help, he's found a way to focus on making a difference in others' lives rather than dwelling on his own mortality.
The response from friends and fans has been overwhelming, with many people reaching out to offer support and encouragement. September's Tour de Four charity ride raised over £3m for cancer charities across the UK, and Hoy is now using this momentum to push for greater awareness and action around prostate cancer screening.
Hoy believes that a national screening programme for men in the UK should be implemented, particularly from their 45th birthday onwards, given that many men are diagnosed too late. He's also determined to show other people living with cancer that sport and exercise can still be a positive part of their lives, even during treatment.
"It's more important than riding bikes in anti-clockwise circles," Hoy said with a sense of purpose. "I'm still incredibly proud of my Olympic career, but this is something on an entirely different level." With his trademark determination and focus, Hoy is poised to make a lasting impact on the fight against cancer.
But instead of letting the diagnosis define him, Hoy has channelled his Olympic-honed mindset into a mission to raise awareness and funds for other people living with cancer. He has worked closely with sports psychologist Steve Peters, who helped him navigate his emotional response to the diagnosis and find new purpose in life.
"For me, it's about process, not outcome," Hoy said in an interview with BBC Sport. "Focus on what you have control over. But if you win or lose, it's not life and death." This mindset is one he used to great success during his Olympic career, but now he's applying it to a much bigger challenge.
Hoy has been open about the emotional toll of his diagnosis, including a breakdown after learning of the terminal prognosis. However, with Peters' help, he's found a way to focus on making a difference in others' lives rather than dwelling on his own mortality.
The response from friends and fans has been overwhelming, with many people reaching out to offer support and encouragement. September's Tour de Four charity ride raised over £3m for cancer charities across the UK, and Hoy is now using this momentum to push for greater awareness and action around prostate cancer screening.
Hoy believes that a national screening programme for men in the UK should be implemented, particularly from their 45th birthday onwards, given that many men are diagnosed too late. He's also determined to show other people living with cancer that sport and exercise can still be a positive part of their lives, even during treatment.
"It's more important than riding bikes in anti-clockwise circles," Hoy said with a sense of purpose. "I'm still incredibly proud of my Olympic career, but this is something on an entirely different level." With his trademark determination and focus, Hoy is poised to make a lasting impact on the fight against cancer.
he's faced some crazy challenges in his cycling career, but terminal cancer is like, whoa! it's not easy watching him go through this, but at least he's using it to make a difference. i mean, raising awareness for prostate cancer screening and showing others that exercise can still be an option during treatment... that's what being an olympic champion is all about 
it's like, you said 'for me, it's about process, not outcome'... you're right, chris! focus on the work, not the end result 
you know imo, sir chris hoy's diagnosis is like a reminder that life can change in sec we never see coming... but instead of letting it get him down, he's choosing to use his platform to help others & spread awareness about prostate cancer screening 
he's got a point, process over outcome - we're always controling our own reactions n stuff. idk bout the national screening programme tho, is that even realistic? 
but i do think it's awesome he's using his experience 2 inspire ppl & show that exercise & sport can still b good 4 u even wen u're dealin w/ cancer 
I gotta say, Sir Chris Hoy's diagnosis has got me thinking... 
And it's awesome to see people like Hoy spreading awareness and pushing for change... a national screening programme for prostate cancer is a great idea! 
It's all about supporting each other and making a difference, no matter what life throws at us. 
. And let's be real, £3m is no joke, that's some serious cash 
. I'm all for that national screening programme for men in the UK, it's long overdue 
. And who needs to just 'ride bikes' when you can make a difference? Hoy's got this 
. The fact that he's still proud of his Olympic career is awesome, but this new mission of his is on a whole different level 
. I'm definitely rooting for him 
he's been through so much already and then to get diagnosed with terminal cancer? it's like the universe is testing him or something 
but you know what? instead of giving up, he's choosing to use this as a chance to make a difference in other people's lives 
Sir Chris Hoy just traded in his racing stripes for a cape of courage 
! Who knew going downhill would be so uphill? 
Cancer may have won this round, but he's already drafting ahead on the next leg 
. 