First Minister John Swinney backs idea of ‘Chris Hoy Games’ in tribute to Olympian

John Swinney has said he is “very supportive” of calls for the 2026 Commonwealth Games to be known as the Chris Hoy Games in tribute to the six time Olympic cycling champion after he was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

The Scottish First Minister said his “heart goes out” to Sir Chris and his family following his confirmation that his cancer has spread.

The champion cyclist revealed recently that he had been given a diagnosis last year that he has two to four years left to live.

Mr Swinney said: “I would be very supportive of the Games being referred to as the Chris Hoy Games.

“I feel totally vexed for Chris Hoy and for his family.

“The situation they face is being borne with the exceptional courage all of us have come to appreciate and value from Chris Hoy and I couldn’t admire him more for how he has handled and communicated the news.”

John Swinney said Sir Chris Hoy has shown ‘exceptional courage’ PA Media

Sir Chris retired from competitive cycling in 2013, missing out on competing in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow the following year.

With a scaled back Games now coming back to the city in 2026, cyclists will compete in the velodrome named after the Scottish cyclist.

Sir Chris Hoy revealed recently he has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, while his wife Sarra has multiple sclerosis PA Media

Speaking at a press event following confirmation that Glasgow will host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, Mr Swinney spoke about how his wife Elizabeth has multiple sclerosis (MS), the same condition Sir Chris’s wife Sarra has been diagnosed with.

Mr Swinney said: “Obviously I am very conscious his family have also had to come to terms with the diagnosis that his wife has MS, which is obviously a situation with which I have great familiarity.

“So my heart goes out to them.”