Sir Chris Hoy has revealed he broke his leg in a mountain bike accident, calling it the most severe crash of his 43-year cycling career, reports BritPanorama.
The 49-year-old Scottish sporting legend, who claimed six Olympic gold medals during his illustrious track cycling career, is currently battling stage four prostate cancer. He received his diagnosis in September 2023, making it public a year later, and has been undergoing chemotherapy following a prognosis of two to four years.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Sir Chris said: “I’ve smashed my leg up on the mountain bike, that’s the worst thing that’s happened recently.” The accident occurred while he was riding, resulting in a hard landing after coming off the saddle, and he is currently using crutches during his recovery.
Despite the injury, the Olympic champion remains optimistic about his mobility improving in the coming weeks. He expressed hope of being able to attend the World Darts Championship in January, stating, “It was a big one. I’m doing better now, I’m still on crutches, hobbling about, but by the time I’m there for the darts final on January 3, hopefully I’ll be a bit more mobile.”
Sir Chris reflected on the challenges of aging and recovery, commenting, “You just don’t bounce like you do when you’re younger.” While he does not consider himself a risk-taker, he emphasised the importance of making the most of life. “None of us are here forever, so you want to make the most of the time you have and do the things you enjoy,” he added, describing the incident as simply “the way the cookie crumbles.”
On his cancer journey, Sir Chris noted the initial difficulties after his diagnosis but acknowledged recent stability in his condition. He expressed appreciation for advancements in prostate cancer treatment, stating, “It’s putting faith in science and knowing that right now, today, there are countless people all around the world working on new medications, new treatments.” Reflecting on his wife’s recent diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, he stated, “It was the final kick in the teeth when you thought it couldn’t get any worse.” Nevertheless, he and his family are committed to enjoying the festive season despite the challenges.
As he prepares for upcoming events and navigates his recovery, Sir Chris Hoy continues to embody resilience, showcasing the indomitable spirit that has defined his career and personal battles.