Sir Chris Hoy's positivity in the face of a terminal cancer diagnosis has received widespread praise from a host of sportspersons and politicians, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Hoy, who first disclosed his cancer diagnosis in an Instagram post on February, revealed in an interview to The Sunday Times that he has been given between two and four years to live.
"As unnatural as it feels, this is nature," Hoy said. "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."
"Hand on heart, I'm pretty positive most of the time and I have genuine happiness," he added. "This is bigger than the Olympics. It's bigger than anything. This is about appreciating life and finding joy."
Hoy's outlook on his illness has drawn acclaim from all quarters.
"Chris is a British sporting legend," Starmer wrote on X. "To face his diagnosis with such positivity is inspiring.
"The whole country is behind him and his family."
UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting reflected similar sentiments and spoke of his "awe" at Hoy's resilience and positivity in a post on X. On a BBC talk show on Sunday, Streeting added that the cyclist's approach will inspire others who are dealing with a terminal cancer diagnosis.
"That's worth even more than the stack of Olympic gold that he's built up over his career," he said.
In an Instagram post on Sunday, Hoy wrote: "You may see in the news this weekend some articles about my health, so I just wanted to reassure you all that I'm feeling fit, strong and positive, and overwhelmed by all the love and support shown to my family and me."
The post drew numerous comments including from Olympian cyclist Mark Cavendish, who called him a "hero of a human being." Dame Kelly Holmes also commented on the post, saying "sending love to you Chris."
Boxer Anthony Ogogo hailed Hoy as an "inspiration" and "hero" in an Instagram post, while Team GB rower James Cracknell said Hoy had become "more inspirational today."