Jess Battison
Six-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy has been diagnosed with cancer.
The former track cyclist took to Instagram this evening (16 February) to share the news with his followers.
Hoy explained he'd hope to keep it private for 'the sake of my young family' but regrettably, 'our hand has been forced'.
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While the 47-year-old said the last few months have been 'incredibly difficult' he is 'optimistic' and currently feels 'fine'.
His full statement reads: "I have a bit of news. Last year I was diagnosed with cancer, which came as a huge shock, having had no symptoms up to that point.
"I'm currently receiving treatment including chemotherapy, which thankfully is going really well. I'd like to extend my sincere gratitude to all the medical professionals for their amazing help and care.
"For the sake of my young family, I had hoped to keep this information private but regrettably our hand has been forced. Whilst I'm thankful for any support, I'd like to deal with this privately.
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"My heart goes out to the many others who are also going through similar challenges right now.
"I'm optimistic, positive and surrounded by love for which I'm truly grateful. As you might imagine, the last few months have been incredibly difficult.
"However, I currently feel fine - I am continuing to work, ride my bike and live my life as normal.
"It's an exciting year of work ahead, not least with the Paris Olympics in July. I can't wait to get stuck in, have fun and share it with you all."
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The Scottish Olympian is an 11-time world champion and is the second most decorated Olympic cyclists of all time.
A dad-of-two, he was the most successful British Olympian between 2012 and 2021.
Hoy announced his retirement from competitive cycling in April 2013 and in 2014, he joined the British GT championship after a long interest in motorsport competition.
With a list of medals and titles to his name, he has twice won the BBC Scotland Sports Personality of the Year, as well as the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
Following his retirement from competitive cycling, Hoy received the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014.
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The Olympic legend is an Ambassador for the Scottish Association for Mental Health.