Sir Christopher (Chris) Hoy


1976 -

Record-breaking cyclist. Born in Edinburgh, Hoy was educated at George Watson's College in the city, followed by the University of St. Andrews, although he transferred to Moray House School of Education (University of Edinburgh) and graduated with a degree in sports science in 1999. He began his cycling career in BMX, taking 10th place in the World Championships (1987).

Hoy took a gold medal in the sprint at the British Championships (1998). He went on to take a silver medal in the World Championships (1999), a gold in the European Championships (1999) and further silver medals in the World Championships and Olympic Games (2000). After setting personal best times in the 2001 World Cup at Cali in Columbia, Hoy took the gold medal in the 1000m time trial at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester (2002), setting a new Commonwealth Record. During the 2002 World Championships in Copenhagen he won two medals, in the 1000m and as part of the Team sprint. He took the Olympic Gold in the 1-km time trial in Athens (2004), with a record time. Hoy capped this achievement with a remarkable three gold medals in the Beijing Olympics of 2008, making him the most successful British Olympian since 1908.

Hoy was awarded an MBE in 2005 and knighted in the New Year Honour's list of 2009. He was named BBC Television Scottish Sports Personality of the year in 2000 and 2003, and was also voted BBC Sport Personality of the Year in 2008. He has received honorary degrees from the Universities of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt in the same year. In 2008, while still winning medals in Beijing, it was announced that the Scottish National Velodrome being built for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow would be named in his honour. Hoy took a further two gold medals in the London Olympics of 2012, an event commemorated by gold-painted post boxes on Hanover Street and in Hunter Square in Edinburgh. He announced his retirement in 2013, but carried the torch into Celtic Park during the Opening Ceremony of the XXth Commonwealth Games in 2014.


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