Sir Chris Hoy, the Olympic champion cyclist, has faced one of his toughest challenges in life - a terminal cancer diagnosis. But instead of letting it break him, he has channeled his famous competitive spirit into raising awareness and funds for others living with the illness.
Hoy's journey began when he was diagnosed with incurable secondary bone cancer. He was given between two to four years to live. The news was devastating, but Hoy's mind quickly shifted from fear to focus on what he could control - his own reaction to the diagnosis. "In my sporting career it used to be about process, not outcome," he says. "Focus on what you have control over."
Hoy has been fortunate enough to work with renowned sports psychologist Steve Peters for many years. Peters had previously helped Hoy win Olympic gold in Athens 2004 and now, as Hoy navigates his own cancer diagnosis, the pair are working together again.
Peters explains that when Hoy was presented with the illness, he immediately said "Right, what's the plan?" After a period of shock and grief, Hoy began to focus on finding purpose. "And that was to reach other people," Peters says. "It became a mission for him."
Hoy has been using his platform as a force for good, raising awareness about prostate cancer and encouraging others to make their voices heard on the issue. He believes that a national screening programme in the UK would be beneficial, especially considering his own family history of the disease.
In fact, Hoy's message is not just about awareness but also about action. "We're failing these men if we don't do something proactive," he says. The Olympics was a defining chapter in Hoy's life, and while he is still proud of that achievement, this new mission feels even more important to him.
The overwhelming response from his friends and fans has been heartening for Hoy. His charity event, the Tour de Four, raised over £3m for cancer charities across the UK. Hoy's determination and resilience in the face of adversity serve as an inspiration to those who know him, and a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope.
For Hoy, this new journey has been about finding purpose beyond his sport. "It's more important than riding bikes in anti-clockwise circles," he jokes. But for many others, it will be a beacon of hope - proof that even those facing their own battles can make a difference when they channel their energy and passion into the world around them.
Hoy's journey began when he was diagnosed with incurable secondary bone cancer. He was given between two to four years to live. The news was devastating, but Hoy's mind quickly shifted from fear to focus on what he could control - his own reaction to the diagnosis. "In my sporting career it used to be about process, not outcome," he says. "Focus on what you have control over."
Hoy has been fortunate enough to work with renowned sports psychologist Steve Peters for many years. Peters had previously helped Hoy win Olympic gold in Athens 2004 and now, as Hoy navigates his own cancer diagnosis, the pair are working together again.
Peters explains that when Hoy was presented with the illness, he immediately said "Right, what's the plan?" After a period of shock and grief, Hoy began to focus on finding purpose. "And that was to reach other people," Peters says. "It became a mission for him."
Hoy has been using his platform as a force for good, raising awareness about prostate cancer and encouraging others to make their voices heard on the issue. He believes that a national screening programme in the UK would be beneficial, especially considering his own family history of the disease.
In fact, Hoy's message is not just about awareness but also about action. "We're failing these men if we don't do something proactive," he says. The Olympics was a defining chapter in Hoy's life, and while he is still proud of that achievement, this new mission feels even more important to him.
The overwhelming response from his friends and fans has been heartening for Hoy. His charity event, the Tour de Four, raised over £3m for cancer charities across the UK. Hoy's determination and resilience in the face of adversity serve as an inspiration to those who know him, and a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope.
For Hoy, this new journey has been about finding purpose beyond his sport. "It's more important than riding bikes in anti-clockwise circles," he jokes. But for many others, it will be a beacon of hope - proof that even those facing their own battles can make a difference when they channel their energy and passion into the world around them.
He's been through so much, but instead of letting it break him, he's turned it into something bigger than himself. It's like, what even is a terminal cancer diagnosis, right? It's just this huge obstacle in your life that can totally derail everything. But Hoy didn't let that happen. He took control, and now he's helping others who are going through the same thing... that's just amazing 
Hoy's approach is all about control over your own reaction, that's so refreshing. And working with Steve Peters has clearly helped him find his way...
I'm not gonna lie, reading about Sir Chris Hoy's cancer diagnosis is super tough 
but at the same time, his response to it is truly inspiring. I mean, who wouldn't want to change their reaction to a terminal diagnosis from fear to focus on what you can control? 
It just goes to show that even in dark times, we have the power to choose how we react and make a difference in the world.
and a testament to the power of community and support. It's a reminder that we don't have to face our struggles alone and that even small actions can make a big difference. 
I'm literally in awe of Sir Chris Hoy right now 
. It's clear that sports has taught him the value of focus and control, and now he's using those skills to help others 
and honestly can we talk about how admirable it is that he's using his platform to raise awareness for prostate cancer? the fact that hes still got that competitive spirit going on shows us all that even when life throws u curveballs, we can pivot & make a difference 
i mean who else can turn a terminal cancer diagnosis into a mission to save others lives? his determination is insane 
and i think his idea for a national screening program in the uk is so important - we need more awareness about prostate cancer. Hoy's story is a reminder that even when life gives you lemons, you can still make lemonade out of it 
but i think chris hoy is so inspiring right now 
last week and I'm still trying to process all the feels about it... like, have you ever had one of those moments where you're walking along the shore and the sand is so fine it's like silk between your toes? 
Yeah, that was me for three days straight. Anyway, back to Sir Chris Hoy... what's crazy is how his positivity and determination are inspiring a whole new generation of cyclists and cancer survivors. I mean, can you imagine if we all had a bit of that "Right, what's the plan?" spirit when faced with life's challenges?