Decorated Olympic track superstar reveals he broke his leg in the ‘worst crash’ of his life while he continues to ride his bike through his terminal cancer diagnosis.
Hoy, shown here in 2012, suffered a broken leg as he continues riding during cancer treatment. (Photo: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Published December 12, 2025 05:17AM
Olympic legend Sir Chris Hoy revealed he’s broken his leg in what he called the “worst crash” of his 43 years on a bike.
It’s a heavy blow for the British cycling superstar as the 49-year-old continues to ride his bike through a terminal cancer diagnosis.
The six-time Olympic champion told Sky Sports he is “hobbling about” on crutches after a major mountain bike spill during what he described as a period of stability in his treatment.
“I’ve smashed my leg up, that’s the worst thing that’s happened recently,” Hoy said. “You just don’t bounce like you do when you’re younger. It was a big one. I’m doing better now, I’m still on crutches, hobbling about.”
Hoy — who announced in October 2024 that his prostate cancer had spread to his bones and was diagnosed as terminal — said the crash was the most serious he has experienced in four decades on two wheels.
“I’ve been riding bikes for 43 years, and it’s the worst crash I’ve ever had. I’m pretty lucky that’s the worst one I’ve had in all those years of riding,” he said.
‘You want to make the most of the time you have’
The Scotsman, who remains Britain’s second-most decorated Olympian behind Jason Kenny, said he refuses to step back from the activities that give him joy.
“I want to live my life, and I want to make the most of it,” he said. “None of us is here forever, so you want to make the most of the time you have and do the things you enjoy.”
Despite the injury and his diagnosis, Hoy insisted he remains positive.
“I’ve just had an unfortunate spill, and it’s the way the cookie crumbles,” he said. “I’m doing alright now, looking forward to Christmas.”
Hoy has previously said his cancer diagnosis has sharpened his perspective on what’s most important.
“It’s changed my life without question, but I think in some ways it’s improved my life,” he told BBC Sport. “I try and focus on the here and the now, enjoying the moment.”
“It’s putting faith in science, knowing that right now, today, there are countless people all around the world working on new medications, new treatments,” Hoy said. “I’m doing fine.”