SCOTTISH Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy has announced he has been diagnosed with cancer.
In a social media post the cyclist said he had been "receiving treatment including chemotherapy", and that "I currently feel fine".
He added that he was "optimistic, positive and surrounded by love".
Hoy said he had hoped to keep the diagnosis private, "but regrettably our hand has been forced".
First Minister Humza Yousaf responded to the news by sending "best wishes for a speedy and full recovery", adding that he hopes Hoy's privacy will be respected.
In a statement on Twitter/X, Yousaf (below) said: "My very best wishes for a speedy and full recovery to the sporting legend that is Sir @chrishoy
My very best wishes for a speedy and full recovery to the sporting legend that is Sir @chrishoy
— Humza Yousaf (@HumzaYousaf) February 16, 2024
I hope appeals for privacy for him and his family are heeded at what must be a difficult time for them all.
'I currently feel fine'
The six-time Olympic champion's 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.
READ MORE: I went cycling with Scottish Olympian Chris Hoy - here's what happened
"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."
Six-time Olympic champion
Track cyclist Hoy (below), has six gold medals to his name, winning two of them at the 2012 Olympics in London.
He retired in 2013 after 19 years in the sport, stating that it was a "massive honour" to have been part of the transformation of cycling as a sport.
With a total of seven Olympic medals, six gold and one silver, he is the second most decorated Olympic cyclist of all time.
Hoy was born in Murrayfield, Edinburgh and lives with his wife, Sarra Kemp. They have two children called Callum and Chloe.
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