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Born in the Murrayfield area of Edinburgh in 1976, Chris Hoy was educated at George Watsons College before studying at the University of St Andrews and the University of Edinburgh, where he graduated with a degree in applied sports science.
He competed in BMX racing from the age of seven, at one point being ranked second in the UK, and also represented Scotland in rowing before taking up track cycling.
That decision saw Hoy become Scotland’s greatest ever Olympian, winning six gold and one silver medal between 2012 and 2021. He also won 11 world titles and two Commonwealth gold medals.
Read more: ‘We’re all terminal’ - Olympic legend Sir Chris Hoy on coming to terms with his cancer diagnosis
He lives in Edinburgh with his wife Sarra and their two children and was awarded a knighthood in the 2009 New Year Honours list.
In October 2024 he revealed he had been diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer in 2023 and had been given between two and four years to live.
And this week saw him mark his 50th birthday on Monday, March 26.
To mark the day here are 26 interesting quotes from the athlete over the years - including his reaction to his illness.
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21. Chris Hoy on...the Commonwealth Games
"The Commonwealth Games have their critics, though I suspect that they are generally people who haven't experienced them." | Getty Images
22. Chris Hoy on...alcohol
"Well, having a pint is not going to stop you from winning a gold medal, but for me the question was 'is this going to help me win a gold medal?' if the answer was no, I'd cut it." | Getty Images
23. Chris Hoy on...giving 100 per cent
"It sounds so innocuous but the difference between 99 percent and 100 percent is huge. You can finish at 99 percent and you'll be hurting but if you push a tiny bit more - and that's the bit that makes the difference to your training - your legs just grind to a halt. It's like your engine is seizing up." | Getty Images
24. Chris Hoy on...risk
"If you considered the risks of everything in life you wouldn't leave your house. But I am a father and a husband. I don't do these things for the hell of it. At the same time you accept the risks and acknowledge that there is a risk, that there could be a big crash or worse." | Getty Images