Fans have reacted to the tragic news that British cycling icon Sir Chris Hoy has terminal cancer.
The 48-year-old – who won six Olympic gold medals for Team GB between 2004 and 2012 – revealed in February that he had been diagnosed with cancer.
Now, tragically, he's shared that it's terminal and that he could have only 'two to four years left to live'.
The stage-four cancer diagnosis has left the cycling community – and wider world of sport – in shock.
Fans have flooded social media with their reaction to the news, sharing both their sorrow and support for the Scotsman and his family.
Heartfelt messages from fans came in on social platform X, including one reading: 'This Chris Hoy news is awful… Gut wrenching..'
Another shared their disbelief, posting: 'Terminal prostate cancer at 48 for sir chris hoy is insane. We should be treating prostate cancer like cervical cancer. It's so easy to pick up with a blood test.'
Others shared their support for Hoy and his family. One message simply read: 'Sir Chris, keep strong and you will beat this. @sirchrishoy prayers to you and your family.'
One wrote: 'This is devestating. What heroes Chris and wife Sarra are.'
Another added: 'Very sad to hear of the cancer diagnosis of Sir Chris Hoy. Not only is it devastating for him, he will leave behind a young family.'
A further fan wrote: 'Life can be so cruel.'
Others referenced his status as a modern British sporting legend: 'Such terrible news about Chris Hoy. A complete and utter legend. A man who truly epitomises the Olympic spirit. Go well Chris.'
Another echoed the sentiment: 'Absolutely terrible news regarding Sir Chris Hoy, been watching the world's track cycling, and he looks so healthy, what awful news, the greatest Olympics champion from these shores. We're all rooting for you, thinking of you and family. Never give up that fight. #CancerSucks'
Despite the news, Hoy has remained upbeat, saying in an interview with The Times: 'I still feel like we're lucky.'
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.
A tumour was then discovered in his shoulder, before a second scan located the primary cancer in his prostate.
The prostate cancer had spread to Hoy's bones – getting into his shoulder, pelvis, spine and ribs.
'You know, we were all born and we all die, and this is just part of the process.
'You remind yourself, aren't I lucky that there is medicine I can take that will fend this off for as long as possible.'
Hoy added that he had told his children that no-one lives forever but defiantly proclaimed that he hoped to 'be here for many, many more years'.
Hoy was knighted in 2008 while he was still an active athlete.
His royal recognition came shortly after he became the first British male Olympian in 100 years to win three gold medals at one Games.
Hoy – who won his first Olympic gold in 2004 – added two more at London 2012 before announcing his retirement from cycling in 2013.
