Shattering moment Chris Hoy's son, 9, asked if he's going to die - his answer is heartbreaking

Sir Chris Hoy of Great Britain holds up a Union Flag after winning the final of the Men's Keirin Track Cycling on Day 11 of the London 2012 Olympic Games
-Credit: (Image: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)


Sir Chris Hoy has recalled a heartbreaking exchange he had with his young son as he announced that his cancer is terminal. The former Olympian was given a diagnosis last year that he has two to four years left to live.

A tumour was found in Sir Chris’ shoulder, and a second scan found primary cancer in his prostate. This has metastasised to his bones. Tumours have also been found in his shoulder, pelvis, hip, spine and rib. He has been told it is incurable.

Sir Chris and his wife, Sarra, who is a lawyer, have two children - seven-year-old Chloe and 10-year-old Callum. The athlete told the Sunday Times what he said after Callum, then aged nine, asked if he was going to die. Sir Chris told him that no-one lives forever, but he hoped, thanks to medicine, 'to be here for many, many years'.

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Sir Chris Hoy in Wimbledon Centre Court's royal box
Sir Chris Hoy has been told that his cancer is incurable -Credit:Visionhaus/Getty Images

In February, as he was undergoing treatment, including chemotherapy, PA reports that Sir Chris said he felt 'forced' to reveal his cancer diagnosis publicly. At that time, Sir Chris also said he was 'going really well' and was 'optimistic, positive and surrounded by love for which I’m truly grateful' after his diagnosis in 2023.

Sir Chris was a pundit for the BBC covering the Paris 2024 Olympics and he has been part of the broadcast team at the Track Cycling World Championships in Copenhagen this week. He posted a message, ending with a love heart, on an Instagram message after confirming his terminal diagnosis.

Sir Chris wrote: “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!”

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