Scotland's greatest Olympian Sir Chris Hoy to be given Freedom of Edinburgh

Chris Hoy: The cyclist has won five gold medals.© SNS Group

Scotland’s greatest Olympian Sir Chris Hoy is set to get the Freedom of Edinburgh.

A report is being prepared for councillors, the first step in awarding the cyclist with the honour.

It comes after Sir Chris won his fifth gold medal at London 2012 on Thursday when, along with teammates Philip Hindes and Jason Kenny, he won the team sprint. He also has a silver medal.

As well as clinching the gold medal, the team also broke the world record when they beat France in the final.

The City of Edinburgh Council are set to now make the cyclist a Freeman of the Capital.

Cllr Steve Cardownie said: "I have set the wheels in motion towards bestowing Sir Chris Hoy with the Freedom of the City.

"Sir Chris should certainly be honoured for his sportsmanship. The fact that he has scaled the greatest of sporting heights and hails from Edinburgh is just fantastic. There has never been a sportsman like him from Edinburgh."

Once the report has been prepared, a motion will go before a full meeting of the council later this year. To be approved, 75% of councillors will have to vote in favour.

On Friday, the Royal Mail painted a post box in the centre of Edinburgh to celebrate Sir Chris’ win as well as producing a stamp with the men’s sprint team on it.

You can watch the documentary The Scots Going for Gold on the STV Player.

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