Sir Chris Hoy, a Scottish cycling legend and two-time Olympic gold medalist, has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. The 49-year-old Hoy has always been known for his meticulous approach to training and competition, which helped him win six gold medals and one silver across four Olympic Games.
However, as he navigated the challenges of living with stage-four cancer, Hoy realized that his mindset needed a significant shift. "In my sporting career it used to be about process, not outcome," he said. "Focus on what you have control over. But if you win or lose, it's not life and death."
But now, Hoy understands that the stakes are indeed life and death. His cancer diagnosis has changed everything, and he is relying on his usual focus and determination to tackle this new challenge.
Hoy has been working with a sports psychologist, Steve Peters, who has helped him find a new purpose in life. Peters was Hoy's first port of call when he received his terminal cancer diagnosis last year, and the pair have worked together for over 20 years.
Peters' approach has been instrumental in helping Hoy to cope with his diagnosis and find ways to stay positive. "What Chris did when he was presented with this illness is he said: 'Right, what's the plan?' After we worked through the initial stages of the shock and grief of it, then he came out the other side and he picked up on the purpose."
That purpose is to raise awareness about prostate cancer and encourage others living with cancer to use sport and exercise as a way to improve their quality of life. Hoy's approach has been met with an overwhelming response from the public, with his charity event, Tour de Four, raising over Β£3m for cancer charities.
Hoy's story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always hope and always a chance to make a difference. His Olympic-honed mindset, which has driven him to success on the track, is now focused on making a positive impact on the world beyond his sport.
As Hoy himself said, "The Olympics was something that was my life for so many years and drove me on. But this is something on an entirely different level... It's more important than riding bikes in anti-clockwise circles."
However, as he navigated the challenges of living with stage-four cancer, Hoy realized that his mindset needed a significant shift. "In my sporting career it used to be about process, not outcome," he said. "Focus on what you have control over. But if you win or lose, it's not life and death."
But now, Hoy understands that the stakes are indeed life and death. His cancer diagnosis has changed everything, and he is relying on his usual focus and determination to tackle this new challenge.
Hoy has been working with a sports psychologist, Steve Peters, who has helped him find a new purpose in life. Peters was Hoy's first port of call when he received his terminal cancer diagnosis last year, and the pair have worked together for over 20 years.
Peters' approach has been instrumental in helping Hoy to cope with his diagnosis and find ways to stay positive. "What Chris did when he was presented with this illness is he said: 'Right, what's the plan?' After we worked through the initial stages of the shock and grief of it, then he came out the other side and he picked up on the purpose."
That purpose is to raise awareness about prostate cancer and encourage others living with cancer to use sport and exercise as a way to improve their quality of life. Hoy's approach has been met with an overwhelming response from the public, with his charity event, Tour de Four, raising over Β£3m for cancer charities.
Hoy's story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always hope and always a chance to make a difference. His Olympic-honed mindset, which has driven him to success on the track, is now focused on making a positive impact on the world beyond his sport.
As Hoy himself said, "The Olympics was something that was my life for so many years and drove me on. But this is something on an entirely different level... It's more important than riding bikes in anti-clockwise circles."