Sir Chris Hoy, the two-time Olympic gold medalist and four-time world champion cyclist, has found a new purpose in life since being diagnosed with terminal cancer. The 49-year-old Scot, who won six gold medals and one silver across four Olympic Games, says he is determined to use his platform to raise awareness and money for other people living with the illness.
Hoy's mindset, which served him well during his sporting career, is now focused on making a difference in the fight against cancer. "It's about process, not outcome," he says. "Focus on what you have control over. But if you win or lose, it's not life and death." However, for Hoy, the stakes are much higher now. The terminal cancer diagnosis has given him a new mission: to raise awareness of the limitations of prostate cancer screening in the UK.
Hoy's approach is shrewd and targeted. He has worked with sports psychologist Steve Peters, who has helped him find a new purpose in life. "Steve helps me access the best of myself," Hoy says. "He gets the best out of me." The two have worked together for over 20 years, including their crowning moment at the Athens 2004 Games.
The response to Hoy's mission has been overwhelming. September's Tour de Four raised more than ยฃ3m for cancer charities across the UK, and his social media campaign has sparked a national conversation about prostate cancer screening. However, not everyone is supportive of Hoy's efforts. In November, the UK National Screening Committee recommended that a prostate screening programme for all men in the UK was not justified.
Hoy remains undeterred. "I'm still incredibly proud of it now and I look back with great fondness," he says. "This is something on an entirely different level." For Hoy, the Olympics were his life for many years, but this mission is more important than ever riding bikes in anti-clockwise circles.
Hoy's story is a testament to the power of sport and exercise in fighting cancer. He continues to cycle and train, inspiring others to do the same. As he says, "It's not about being lazy, it's about taking care of yourself." Hoy's courage and determination in the face of terminal cancer have inspired countless people around the world. His message is clear: with the right mindset and support, anyone can make a difference.
Hoy's documentary, Sir Chris Hoy: Cancer, Courage and Me, will be broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer on December 18th. The programme follows Hoy and his family as they navigate the realities of living with stage four cancer, while also showcasing his determination to raise awareness and money for other people affected by the illness.
As Hoy sips his coffee and chats with his wife Sarra about their morning routine, it's clear that he has found a new sense of purpose in life. "I've realised I can make a difference," he says, smiling. For this Olympic legend, it's not just about surviving cancer โ it's about making a lasting impact on the world.
Hoy's mindset, which served him well during his sporting career, is now focused on making a difference in the fight against cancer. "It's about process, not outcome," he says. "Focus on what you have control over. But if you win or lose, it's not life and death." However, for Hoy, the stakes are much higher now. The terminal cancer diagnosis has given him a new mission: to raise awareness of the limitations of prostate cancer screening in the UK.
Hoy's approach is shrewd and targeted. He has worked with sports psychologist Steve Peters, who has helped him find a new purpose in life. "Steve helps me access the best of myself," Hoy says. "He gets the best out of me." The two have worked together for over 20 years, including their crowning moment at the Athens 2004 Games.
The response to Hoy's mission has been overwhelming. September's Tour de Four raised more than ยฃ3m for cancer charities across the UK, and his social media campaign has sparked a national conversation about prostate cancer screening. However, not everyone is supportive of Hoy's efforts. In November, the UK National Screening Committee recommended that a prostate screening programme for all men in the UK was not justified.
Hoy remains undeterred. "I'm still incredibly proud of it now and I look back with great fondness," he says. "This is something on an entirely different level." For Hoy, the Olympics were his life for many years, but this mission is more important than ever riding bikes in anti-clockwise circles.
Hoy's story is a testament to the power of sport and exercise in fighting cancer. He continues to cycle and train, inspiring others to do the same. As he says, "It's not about being lazy, it's about taking care of yourself." Hoy's courage and determination in the face of terminal cancer have inspired countless people around the world. His message is clear: with the right mindset and support, anyone can make a difference.
Hoy's documentary, Sir Chris Hoy: Cancer, Courage and Me, will be broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer on December 18th. The programme follows Hoy and his family as they navigate the realities of living with stage four cancer, while also showcasing his determination to raise awareness and money for other people affected by the illness.
As Hoy sips his coffee and chats with his wife Sarra about their morning routine, it's clear that he has found a new sense of purpose in life. "I've realised I can make a difference," he says, smiling. For this Olympic legend, it's not just about surviving cancer โ it's about making a lasting impact on the world.