Sir Chris Hoy, the six-time Olympic gold medalist, has shared an emotional update on his battle with terminal prostate cancer, revealing how it’s affecting his daily life.
After being diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer last year, the 48-year-old cyclist has been struggling with the physical and emotional toll of the disease.
One of the most heartbreaking moments, he revealed, was when doctors informed him that due to his illness, he could no longer lift his six-year-old daughter, Chloe.
Hoy explained that secondary tumors had spread to his spine, causing a fractured vertebra.
He admitted that hearing the news that he couldn’t pick up his young daughter was a devastating moment, marking a shift where his cancer diagnosis truly began to impact his life.
“Being told I couldn’t pick up my child was horrendous,” Hoy shared. “It made me realize just how much this illness was affecting my world.”
Medical Intervention and the Journey to Recovery
Fortunately, Hoy underwent a medical procedure where doctors injected a special cement-like substance into his fractured vertebra to help restore it.
The treatment, while uncomfortable, allowed him to regain some mobility.
Hoy expressed relief as he slowly returned to some physical activities, including lifting weights again.
He described how the experience made him appreciate the simple things in life that many take for granted, like the ability to hold your child.
“It’s like losing your wallet, when you find it… you’re not in a net gain situation but you’re so grateful for it,” Hoy said.
How Hoy and His Family Told Their Children About the Diagnosis
Despite the overwhelming nature of the situation, Hoy and his wife Sara approached the delicate task of informing their children with care and precision.
They meticulously planned how to break the news to their two kids, Callum and Chloe, drawing from the advice of friends who had gone through similar experiences.
Hoy explained how they chose a relaxed setting at home, avoiding a formal sit-down conversation.
“We told both Callum and Chloe in the kitchen while I was getting stuff out of the fridge and Sara was chatting away,” he said.
The couple was determined to keep things lighthearted and positive to prevent their children from picking up on any fear or distress.
“If you’re showing fear, showing distress, they will pick up on that very quickly,” Hoy explained.
“But if you’re laughing, joking, and looking physically strong, it kind of settles their concerns.”
Hoy also shared a moment of humor in the midst of the difficult news, revealing that his son’s biggest concern was whether his dad would lose all his hair.
“He was worried I’d drop him off at school in the morning with a full head of hair and pick him up completely bald,” Hoy chuckled.
It was a moment that gave a glimmer of hope amid the heartbreaking reality of his diagnosis.
Looking Forward with Gratitude Despite the Challenges
Hoy continues to fight through the challenges that come with his diagnosis.
While the emotional and physical toll is immense, he has found comfort in the small victories, like being able to lift his daughter again.
He remains optimistic about the time he has left, cherishing the moments with his family and continuing to stay as strong as possible for them.
“It’s a difficult situation, but I’m doing OK for now,” he said, maintaining a sense of resilience that has defined both his career and his personal life.