Sir Chris Hoy appears in the Royal Box at Wimbledon after cancer diagnosis

July 6, 2024

Sir Chris Hoy received a standing ovation at Wimbledon when he appeared in the Royal Box just months after announcing his cancer diagnosis.

The six-time Olympic gold medalist said in February that he was undergoing treatment, including chemotherapy, after being diagnosed with cancer last year.

In his statement at the time, the 48-year-old said he would continue to “work, ride my bike and live my life as normal” and was looking forward to the Olympic Games in Paris, which begin later this month.

The former track cyclist, eleven-time world champion and six-time Olympic gold medalist, competed in four Olympic Games for Great Britain between 2000 and 2012.

He was one of a long list of sporting greats and Olympic legends who took their place in the Royal Box on Centre Court on Saturday, along with fellow cycling greats Jason and Laura Kenny, London 2012 star Jessica Ennis-Hill and swimming world record holder Adam Peaty.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, former England manager Roy Hodgson and Lionesses captain Leah Williamson were the familiar faces from football, while the England cricket team was represented by captains Ben Stokes, Joe Root and Jos Buttler.

In February, Hoy said he had hoped to keep his cancer diagnosis secret, but he was “forced to do so” and he asked for privacy “for the sake of my young family.”

He added: “I am optimistic, positive and surrounded by love, which I am truly grateful for. As you can imagine, the last few months have been incredibly difficult.

“But for now I’m fine – I’m still working, cycling and living my life as normal.

“We have an exciting year of work ahead of us, not least with the Olympic Games in Paris in July. I can’t wait to get started, have fun and share it with you all.”