Sir Chris Hoy only had one symptom before being told he had terminal cancer

Sir Chris Hoy has shared about his and his family's "toughest year" after revealing his cancer diagnosis is terminal, explaining he had no symptoms before receiving news of his condition. The multiple Olympic gold medal winner, who had a successful cycling career, disclosed in February that he had been undergoing chemotherapy following a cancer diagnosis.

However, in October, he revealed further details - including the shocking prognosis that he had been given just two to four years to live. Despite his condition, the 48 year old managed to attend the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, fulfilling some media duties.

Since then, the full extent of his diagnosis has been made public. In an attempt to escape media attention, he took his wife Sarra and their two children abroad in October, hoping the media frenzy might have subsided upon their return.

Now, though, the Scot has shared more of his story in his first TV interview since the news broke. "No symptoms, no warnings, nothing," Hoy told The BBC, explaining the diagnosis came as a complete surprise.

"All I had was a pain in my shoulder and a little bit of pain in my ribs. [This] ache and pain didn't go away. I assumed it was going to be tendonitis or something, and it was just going to be lay off weights or lay off cycling for a wee while and get some treatment and it'll be fine.", reports the Mirror.

"It was the biggest shock of my life," he explained, recalling the scan which revealed a tumour. "I remember the feeling of just absolute horror and shock."

"I just basically walked back in a daze. I couldn't believe the news and I was just trying to process it, I don't remember walking. I just remember sort of halfway home thinking 'where am I? ' And then I was thinking 'how am I going to tell Sarra? What am I going to say?'."

Sarra recently wrote on social media: "Completely overwhelmed by your kind, thoughtful and helpful messages. "Many people say they don't know what to say- that's ok, you don't need to have the words - just taking the time to message has been like a soothing balm to the soul. Thank you.

"I've been told that men seeking advice about prostate cancer is up seven fold and that Chris's story is likely to save countless lives. This takes my breath away.

"Life is wonderful. We are excited about the future. We have so many more adventures planned.... And I am so fortunate to get to do it all with @chrishoy1 - the most incredible person I've ever met. Watching him on the BBC at the weekend was like watching a masterclass in strength of character, dignity and humility. I've said it before and I'll say it again- he truly is my real life superhero."

Hoy has penned a memoir about his journey and together with his wife, extended gratitude for the overwhelming support received. In October, he revealed: "I just wanted to share an update about my health after telling you I was receiving treatment for cancer," adding, "I'm so grateful to everyone for their incredible kindness and support. You may have heard by now that I'm ready to share that my cancer is stage four: I will be living with it for the rest of my life."

He continued: "Now, it's not the news that anyone imagines hearing, and it obviously came as a huge shock. We've taken time to process it as a family and I now have a deep resolve to turn this incredibly difficult diagnosis into something more positive that can help, not just me, but anyone anywhere living with stage four."

In discussing his reasons for writing, he explained: "I'm talking to you now because, amidst it all, I've made the decision to write it all in a book. You might wonder why I'd take on writing a book during such a challenging time. It's been cathartic and it's a very important part of how I've been able to process this news with my family and for myself over the past few months."

Hoy concluded by sharing his intention behind the book: "I wanted to share this in the hope that it might help others in challenging situations too. The book is called All That Matters and I hope it can provide, not only an insight into how a family deals with a diagnosis like mine but also remind us that all we have is now: not the past, not the future, but where we are in this moment."

Sir Chris Hoy has reflected on his journey of hope, discussing the personal challenges faced following his diagnosis and the rediscovery of optimism, saying: "It's about hope, how I lost it after the diagnosis and how I found it again. I will also give you a view into what my life has been like since retiring from professional cycling."

The six-time Olympic gold medallist and silver medallist emerged victorious in two events at the London 2012 games, taking gold in both the Team Sprint and Keirin.