Sir Chris Hoy makes cycling comeback after severe injury
Sir Chris Hoy has returned to cycling just 12 weeks after suffering what he described as the worst accident of his 43-year riding career, reports BritPanorama.
The Edinburgh-born Olympic legend, aged 49, sustained multiple fractures to his lower right leg and knee during a mountain biking incident in early November, which necessitated emergency surgery at a major trauma ward. Surgeons inserted metal rods and screws into his leg following the accident.
Hoy, a six-time Olympic gold medallist who revealed his terminal prostate cancer diagnosis in October 2024, spent five days in hospital before being discharged with a leg brace and walking frame. On Monday, he posted a video on Instagram detailing the extent of his injuries, showing significant scarring and bruising, alongside his rehabilitation journey and successful return to outdoor cycling.
Throughout his recovery, Hoy credited physiotherapist Katie Flatters and two-time Olympic swimmer Vicki Hayles for their pivotal roles in his rehabilitation. Within two weeks of his surgery, Hoy resumed exercising his uninjured left leg on a stationary bike while keeping his right leg elevated. By week five, he began to pedal with both legs and started partial weight-bearing exercises on a treadmill shortly thereafter.
By 11 weeks post-surgery, he was walking unaided and quickly returned to outdoor cycling. In his Instagram post, he reflected on the challenges of his recovery, stating, “It’s been a rough ride since then,” while expressing gratitude for the support he received during his rehabilitation. “With daily hard work, and [Katie’s] expert physiotherapy guiding me… I was able to get back out on the bike for the first time yesterday, in the fresh air,” he added.
Hoy highlighted the contributions of his wife, Sarra, and former teammates, acknowledging their support during his recovery. “Thanks for all the visits and the laughs to keep my spirits up,” he remarked. He also shared his appreciation for the medical professionals involved in his care, stating, “I’m so grateful to each and every one of you.”
While he described the incident as the most serious of his long career, Hoy’s resilience and determination to return to his passion for cycling has been noteworthy. His journey underscores the unpredictability of sport and the personal battles many athletes face off the field.
