Sir Chris Hoy was forced to announce cancer diagnosis after journalist got wind - 'It was very frustrating'

Hoy, speaking to the Sunday Times, has revealed a journalist actually reached out to a friend to probe into his condition.

They asked whether it was true that he had a 'terminal illness'. This, he says, was very 'frustrating' for him and his family to cope with.

Hoy, in the end, opted to go public with the news in February.

He said at the time that he was 'optimistic' and that his treatment was going 'really well'.

Hoy first went to the doctor last September because he thought he had a strained shoulder after lifting weights.

A tumour was found in his shoulder, with a second scan then finding the primary cancer in his prostate. He also has tumours in his shoulder, pelvis, hip, spine and rib.

Hoy said: “As unnatural as it feels, this is nature.”

He continued: “You know, we were all born and we all die, and this is just part of the process.

“You remind yourself, aren’t I lucky that there is medicine I can take that will fend this off for as long as possible.”

The world has rallied behind Hoy in the wake of his diagnosis. The BBC's Dan Walker said: "Blown away by the resilience and determination of Sir Chris Hoy this morning.

"Shortly after being told that he has between 2-4 years to live because of his terminal cancer… his lovely wife, Sarra, was diagnosed with MS.

"The man remains an incredible inspiration. Sending love to the whole family."

Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, wrote: "I’m in awe that Chris Hoy is meeting his cancer with the same positivity and resilience that has defined his life and career.

"The whole country will be cheering him on as we have done so many times before and sending him and his family so much love."

Fans on social media have also wished Hoy all the best.

"I've met Chris Hoy a few times and he is one of the loveliest people you could ever wish to meet," wrote one user.

"A thoroughly decent bloke.

"So sad and absolutely unfair that he has been diagnosed with terminal cancer."

A second said: "Never mind being an Olympic and Cycling legend, in an era of self-centred arrogance, Sir Chris Hoy always came across as a genuine gentleman who always had time for people. Now he's dying from terminal cancer with 2 to 4 years left.

"Absolutely dreadful."

A third stated: "Damn the Sir Chris Hoy news. Appreciate every day we have."

And a fourth said: "I don't know how you begin to process a terminal diagnosis but Chris Hoy's words are genuinely inspirational. Sometimes struggle to appreciate the good in life but this is quite the reminder."