Sir Chris Hoy's wife breaks silence after terminal cancer diagnosis

by · Mail Online

Sir Chris Hoy's wife Sarra has posted a heartfelt tribute to her husband on Instagram just days after the British Olympic legend revealed his cancer was terminal.

The six-time Olympic gold medallist, 48, shocked the sporting world over the weekend as he announced the tragic development in an interview with The Sunday Times. 

Tributes to one of Great Britain's finest ever Olympians flooded in from across the world as sport rallied around one of its heroes.  

Now his partner Sarra, 40, has broken her own silence with a beautiful message on social media, paying homage to her 'real life superhero' Hoy. 

'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.

Sarra Hoy posted a picture of the couple both beaming for the camera on Instagram on Thursday
In addition to his six Olympic golds, Hoy also won two Commonwealth golds and 11 golds at Track Cycling World Championships 

'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.

Read More

Chris Hoy's wife Sarra was diagnosed with MS within weeks of the Olympian's terminal cancer blow

'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 [Chris Hoy] - 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's legacy and impact on British sport cannot be understated, having spearheaded Team GB's velodrome dominance between 2008 and 2016.

In fact, with the upcoming Commonwealth Games now taking place in Glasgow in his home nation Scotland, there have been increasing calls to name the competition after Hoy following his revelation. 

Hoy's initial cancer diagnosis came earlier this year after he visited a doctor in late 2023 having complained of shoulder pain. 

A further scan found that the primary cancer was in his prostate, had spread to his bones and is now untreatable, but can be delayed by medical provisions.

Sarra was herself diagnosed with multiple sclerosis just weeks after the Olympian's initial cancer diagnosis.

Hoy pictured posing for a photo while attending a cycling final at this year's Olympic Games
Hoy's cancer was discovered after a trip to the doctor in September last year when the Scot was feeling a strain in his shoulder
Sir Chris has previously praised his senior lawyer wife, who he says has been there for him 'through it all'

Sarra visited her GP after experiencing a strange tingling sensation in her face and tongue.

Doctors then informed her that she had an ‘aggressive’ form of MS, a degenerative disease for which there is no cure.

Sir Chris was part of the BBC's coverage of the World Track Cycling Championship the morning after the news broke, and appeared in good spirits as he co-hosted with presenter Jill Douglas on BBC Two and also gave a further update on his health.

Continuing his media work, the 46-year-old admitted he was feeling buoyed by the occasion of being back in the velodrome and maintained steely professionalism throughout the coverage.

'I'm doing well, thanks. I'm having a great week, some incredible performances and hopefully some more to come,' said Hoy.

'It's always great to be back in the track centre, so many familiar faces, team mates, coaches, rivals and happy memories for me coming back to Copenhagen from 2002 and 2010,' he added.

Hoy had previously claimed he was 'feeling fit' in the Danish city and was looking forward to the weekend's racing action in the wake of his terminal diagnosis that shocked the sporting world.

Sharing a photo with Beeb colleagues, Hoy cut an upbeat and positive figure on Instagram. 'Great to be out in Copenhagen for the World track cycling championships broadcasting with the wonderful BBC sport team,' he wrote.

'Some truly incredible performances; world records and a new generation of future stars showing us what they can do.

'You may see in the news this weekend some articles about my health, so I just wanted to reassure you all that I’m feeling fit, strong and positive, and overwhelmed by all the love and support shown to my family and me. Onwards!' he added.

Hoy won the Keirin event at the London 2012 Olympics - one of his six gold medals at the world's greatest festival of sport
Cycling icon Hoy, pictured in August 2023, believes that he has 'two to four years' left to live
Hoy pictured in July this year in Paris, where he attended the Olympics opening ceremony

Hoy was knighted in 2008 while he was still an active athlete and despite his condition has outlined he plans to 'be here for many, many more years' for his wife, Sarra, and their two children. 

'We were all born and we all die and this is just part of the process,' he said when revealing the news of his terminal diagnoses.

'But aren't I lucky that there is medicine I can take that will fend this off for as long as possible.'

Despite his life expectancy being harrowingly shortened, Hoy is remaining fit and active in the sport that he has earned legendary status in as one of the Britain's greatest-ever athletes.

Earlier this month, he took part in a Peligoni's wellness week event as part of PACE October that involved seven bike rides over five days in Greece.