Chris Hoy

Sir Christopher Andrew Hoy, born on March 23, 1976, in Edinburgh, Scotland, is a renowned former track cyclist and racing driver. He is celebrated for his exceptional achievements in cycling, representing Great Britain in the Olympic and World Championships and Scotland in the Commonwealth Games. Hoy’s illustrious career includes 11 world championship titles and six Olympic gold medals, making him one of the most decorated Olympic cyclists in history.

Early Life and Education

Chris Hoy was born to David and Carol Hoy and grew up in the Murrayfield area of Edinburgh. He attended George Watson’s College, where he developed an early interest in sports. Inspired by the 1982 film “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” Hoy began BMX biking at the age of six. Between the ages of 7 and 14, he competed in BMX racing, achieving notable rankings: second in Britain, fifth in Europe, and ninth in the world. His early success in BMX earned him sponsorships from Slazenger and Kwik-Fit, allowing him to compete internationally.

In addition to cycling, Hoy was a versatile athlete. He represented the Scotland Junior Rowing Team and secured second place in the coxless pairs at the 1993 National Rowing Championships alongside Grant Florence. He also played rugby as part of his school’s team. After completing his schooling, Hoy pursued higher education, initially studying Mathematics and Physics at the University of St Andrews for two years until 1996. He then transferred to the University of Edinburgh, graduating with a BSc (Hons.) in Applied Sports Science in 1999.

Personal Life

In 2010, Hoy married Sarra Kemp, a lawyer from Edinburgh, in a ceremony at St Giles’ Cathedral. The couple has two children: a son, Callum, born in October 2014, and a daughter, Chloe, born in September 2017. Hoy has often spoken about the challenges and joys of fatherhood, especially considering that Callum was born 11 weeks premature, which was a particularly challenging time for the family.

Beyond his athletic career, Hoy has ventured into writing. His autobiography was published in 2009, providing insights into his journey as an elite athlete. He has also authored children’s fiction, including the “Flying Fergus” series, which began in 2016, and “Be Amazing,” published in 2020, aiming to inspire young readers through stories of adventure and perseverance.

In terms of philanthropy, Hoy has been an ambassador for the Scottish Association for Mental Health since 2009, dedicating time to raise awareness and funds for mental health causes. He has also supported initiatives like Social Bite, a Scottish social enterprise, by participating in their “Sleep in the Park” events to raise money for homeless individuals.

Family

Hoy’s family has faced significant health challenges in recent years. In September 2023, Hoy was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer, which had metastasized to his bones. Despite the terminal nature of the illness, with a prognosis of two to four years, Hoy has remained positive and continues to engage in public life, raising awareness about the importance of early detection and treatment of prostate cancer.

Around the same time, his wife, Sarra, was diagnosed with aggressive multiple sclerosis, adding to the family’s challenges. The couple has chosen to be open with their children about these health issues, emphasizing honesty and preparation for the future. Hoy has expressed deep gratitude for his family’s support and has dedicated his memoir, “All That Matters,” to them, offering a candid reflection on his life, achievements, and the recent adversities they have faced together.

Detailed Bio Table

Career

Hoy’s cycling career began in earnest when he joined his first cycling club, Dunedin C.C., in 1990 at the age of 14. He shifted his focus to track cycling in 1993, becoming a member of the City of Edinburgh Racing Club. His early promise was evident when he won a silver medal in the team sprint at the 1999 UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Berlin, riding alongside Craig MacLean and Jason Queally.

Over the years, Hoy’s dedication and talent led to an illustrious career. He became an 11-time world champion and a six-time Olympic champion, with a total of seven Olympic medals—six gold and one silver. His Olympic successes span multiple events, including the team sprint, match sprint, keirin, and kilo. Notably, at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Hoy won three gold medals, becoming the first British male athlete to do so in a single Olympic Games since 1908.

After retiring from professional cycling, Hoy pursued a career in motorsport, competing in events such as the British GT Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. He also launched his own brand of bicycles, HOY Bikes, in partnership with Evans Cycles, aiming to make quality bikes accessible to a broader audience.

Throughout his career, Hoy has been recognized for his contributions to sport and society. He was knighted in 2009 for services to cycling and has served as an ambassador for various organizations, including UNICEF UK and the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, where he held the honorary rank of Group Captain.

In his memoir, “All That Matters,” Hoy reflects on his life’s journey, from his early days inspired by a film to becoming one of the most decorated cyclists in history

Height and Physical Appearance

Standing at 1.85 meters (6 feet 1 inch) and weighing 92 kilograms (203 lbs), Hoy possesses a powerful and athletic build, which contributed significantly to his success in track cycling. His physical attributes, combined with rigorous training and discipline, enabled him to excel in high-intensity sprint events.

Net Worth as of 2025

As of 2025, Sir Chris Hoy’s net worth is estimated to be around £19 million. His wealth primarily stems from his successful cycling career, endorsements, and ventures such as his bike brand, HOY Bikes. Additionally, his involvement in motorsport and various media appearances have contributed to his financial standing.

Social Media Accounts

Latest News

In September 2023, Sir Chris Hoy was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer. Despite the diagnosis, he has remained positive and has been actively raising awareness about the importance of early detection. Hoy’s resilience and advocacy have inspired many, highlighting his strength both on and off the track.

Sir Chris Hoy’s contributions to cycling and sports, in general, are profound. His achievements have inspired a generation of athletes, and his dedication to promoting health and fitness continues to influence many. Hoy’s legacy is not only defined by his medals but also by his commitment to excellence and his role as a mentor and ambassador for the sport.