Olympic cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy has long been known for his intense focus and attention to detail, a quality that won him six gold medals and one silver medal across four Olympic Games. However, it's a mindset that is being put to the ultimate test as he faces a terminal cancer diagnosis.
The Scot, 49, was diagnosed with incurable secondary bone cancer in September 2023, and has since set about redefining his purpose in life. With the help of sports psychologist Steve Peters, Hoy has discovered a new sense of drive and determination, one that is focused on raising awareness and funds for other people living with prostate cancer.
"I've realised I can make a difference," Hoy says, reflecting on his experience. "The Olympics was something that was my life for so many years and drove me on, but this is something on an entirely different level."
For Hoy, the fight against prostate cancer has become an all-consuming mission, one that he is determined to see through to the end. With the support of his wife Sarra, who herself is dealing with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, Hoy has thrown himself into the cause, using his platform as a force for good.
The pair have worked together for over 20 years, and their partnership has been a key factor in Hoy's success on the track. But it's this same focus and attention to detail that Hoy is now applying to his new mission, driving him to push through the challenges of cancer treatment and beyond.
As he prepares to take part in another charity cycling event, the Tour de Four, Hoy's determination is clear. "I was quite astonished" by the UK National Screening Committee's recommendation not to implement a prostate screening programme for all men in the UK, he says. "We're failing these men if we don't do something proactive."
With the support of his friends and family, as well as the public, Hoy remains resolute in his quest to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer charities. It's a mission that has already raised over Β£3m, but one that he knows will take time, effort, and dedication.
As he looks to the future, Hoy is clear about what drives him: "It's more important than riding bikes in anti-clockwise circles." His cancer diagnosis may have changed his life forever, but it has also given him a new purpose, one that he is determined to see through to the end.
The Scot, 49, was diagnosed with incurable secondary bone cancer in September 2023, and has since set about redefining his purpose in life. With the help of sports psychologist Steve Peters, Hoy has discovered a new sense of drive and determination, one that is focused on raising awareness and funds for other people living with prostate cancer.
"I've realised I can make a difference," Hoy says, reflecting on his experience. "The Olympics was something that was my life for so many years and drove me on, but this is something on an entirely different level."
For Hoy, the fight against prostate cancer has become an all-consuming mission, one that he is determined to see through to the end. With the support of his wife Sarra, who herself is dealing with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, Hoy has thrown himself into the cause, using his platform as a force for good.
The pair have worked together for over 20 years, and their partnership has been a key factor in Hoy's success on the track. But it's this same focus and attention to detail that Hoy is now applying to his new mission, driving him to push through the challenges of cancer treatment and beyond.
As he prepares to take part in another charity cycling event, the Tour de Four, Hoy's determination is clear. "I was quite astonished" by the UK National Screening Committee's recommendation not to implement a prostate screening programme for all men in the UK, he says. "We're failing these men if we don't do something proactive."
With the support of his friends and family, as well as the public, Hoy remains resolute in his quest to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer charities. It's a mission that has already raised over Β£3m, but one that he knows will take time, effort, and dedication.
As he looks to the future, Hoy is clear about what drives him: "It's more important than riding bikes in anti-clockwise circles." His cancer diagnosis may have changed his life forever, but it has also given him a new purpose, one that he is determined to see through to the end.