Sir Chris Hoy had just one symptom before terminal cancer diagnosis

Sir Chris Hoy has opened up on his 'toughest year' after revealing he has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. The Olympian said he only noticed one symptom before he was given the tragic health news.

The cyclist revealed in February that he had been undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. In October, he told how he had been given between two and four years to live.

Sir Chris, 40, carried out some media duties at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. But since then, he has tried to take a step back from the limelight and took his wife Sarra and their two children out of the country.

READ MORE: Queen Camilla pulls out of all public engagements as Buckingham Palace issues health update

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The Scot has now shared more of his story in his first TV interview since his terminal cancer diagnosis came to light, Mirror reports. The multiple Olympic gold medal winner told the BBC his diagnosis came out of the blue.

Sir Chris said: "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."

Recalling the scan which revealed a tumour, he said: "It was the biggest shock of my life. 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?"."

In October, Sarra thanked wellwishers who had sent messages of support for her husband. She said 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."

Sir Chris has penned a book about his experience. He said in October: "I just wanted to share an update about my health after telling you I was receiving treatment for cancer.

"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.

"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.

"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. 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. 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."