Sir Chris Hoy announces he has just a few years to live after terminal cancer diagnosis

Six-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy has announced he has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and has been given an estimated two to four years to live

Olympic legend Sir Chris Hoy has bravely disclosed his terminal cancer diagnosis, with doctors estimating he has between two to four years left to live. The 48 year old six-time Olympic gold medallist, who had been optimistic about his treatment since revealing his condition in February, continued his work as a BBC commentator during this year's Paris Olympics despite the prognosis.

Initially experiencing shoulder pain, Sir Chris underwent tests that uncovered a tumour in his shoulder and further scans indicated primary prostate cancer, which had metastasized to his bones, affecting his shoulder, pelvis, ribs, and spine. In an interview with the Sunday Times, the resilient Sir Chris reflected: "As unnatural as it feels, this is nature. You know, we were all born and we all die, and this is just part of the process. You remind yourself, aren't I lucky that there is medicine I can take that will fend this off for as long as possible."

The Team GB cycling hero, a father of two young children aged seven and ten, has discussed his illness with them, expressing his desire to "be here for many, many more years" despite acknowledging the reality that no one lives forever.

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Sir Chris was such a dominant force in sprint cycling that he had won six Olympic, 11 world and 34 World Cup titles by the time he retired from competitive racing in 2013. He is the third most-decorated British Olympian of all time, with six career golds and one silver medal.

The Scot, originally from Edinburgh, asked for privacy following the announcement.

In February, writing on his Instagram account, Sir Chris said: “For the sake of my young family, I had hoped to keep this information private but regrettably our hand has been forced.”

Sir Chris said the diagnosis came as a “huge shock”.

He wrote: “I have a bit of news. Last year I was diagnosed with cancer, which came as a huge shock, having had no symptoms up to that point.”

Sir Chris extended his “sincere gratitude” to medical professionals for their “amazing help and care”.

The Scot said: “While I’m thankful for any support, I’d like to deal with this privately.

“My heart goes out to the many others who are also going through similar challenges right now.

“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. However, I currently feel fine.”

Sir Chris said he would continue to ride his bike and was looking forward to getting “stuck in” to the year ahead, adding: “I am continuing to work, ride my bike and live my life as normal.”

Inspired to try cycling by a scene in the film E.T., Hoy soon reached the world’s top 10 rankings in BMX and in addition was a medallist at the Scottish Junior Rowing Championships.

His rise to the top mirrored his nation’s emergence to the top of track cycling.

The velodrome built for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow is named in his honour.

Sir Chris went into business promoting his cycling range following his retirement.

He has written a children’s book series titled Flying Fergus and completed the gruelling Le Mans 24-Hour motor race in June 2016.