Sir Andy Murray was overcome with emotion during a BBC Breakfast appearance as he reflected on the devastating news of Sir Chris Hoy's terminal cancer diagnosis.
The Wimbledon champion, speaking to presenter Sally Nugent in a pre-recorded interview, struggled to contain his tears whilst discussing his long-standing friendship with the cycling legend.
Murray described learning of Hoy's stage four prostate cancer as profoundly unjust.
"I was really upset by it. It's obviously cruel because he's a young guy, he has a young family," Murray said.
Andy Murray had to stop himself during an interview after breaking down in tears
|BBC
"He's obviously dedicated pretty much his whole life to being healthy, fit and active."
The tennis star revealed how he pieced together the gravity of Hoy's situation through a private exchange following his Olympic retirement last summer.
"After I retired at the Olympics last year, the following day I went to the GB house and he interviewed me," Murray explained.
"I messaged him afterwards... He was like: 'Well no, it's been a really tough year, but I'm doing this charity bike ride about changing perceptions around stage four cancer'."
Murray confided to his wife that he suspected the worst from the message's wording, only for Hoy to confirm the diagnosis publicly within days.
Andy Murray and Chris Hoy go back, having met many years ago
|PA
Pausing to compose himself, Murray added: "For the next few days, every moment where I had a break, I was thinking about him and his situation a lot."
Dame Laura Kenny, the decorated Olympic cyclist, was equally moved when discussing her teammate's diagnosis.
"You're just shocked aren't you, because Chris is a superhero in my mind... My heart broke," she said.
Both Murray and Kenny appear in the forthcoming documentary, Sir Chris Hoy: Cancer, Courage and Me, which broadcasts on Thursday evening at 9pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
The programme follows the six-time Olympic gold medallist as he navigates the greatest challenge of his life, whilst also organising the Tour de Four charity cycling event in Glasgow with the ambition of raising one million pounds.
Sir Chris Hoy was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2023 | GETTY
Hoy received his cancer diagnosis in September 2023 after seeking medical attention for discomfort in his shoulder and ribs, though he did not disclose his condition publicly until the following year.
His wife, Lady Sarra Hoy, has spoken of the distressing moment they informed their children, Callum, 11, and Chloe Rose, eight, revealing the youngsters initially feared they had somehow caused their father's illness.
"Our superhero friend" ❤️@andy_murray , @LauraKenny31 , and @JasonKenny107 recall the moment Sir @chrishoy told them about his terminal cancer diagnosis.
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 17, 2025
▶️ Watch Sir Chris Hoy: Cancer, Courage & Me on Thursday, 18 December at 21:00 GMT on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. pic.twitter.com/nSoD2D2oKW
The Scottish sporting icon recently offered encouraging news, confirming his condition has stabilised following treatment.
Despite suffering a broken leg earlier this year in what he described as the worst crash of his 43-year cycling career, Hoy remains determined to embrace life fully.