The British Olympic cyclist Chris Hoy and his wife, Sarra Hoy, have been honoured with the freedom of the City of London.
The pair have been recognised for their charitable work raising awareness for cancer and neonatal care, alongside Hoy’s contribution to sport as a six-time Olympic gold medallist.
Hoy said London would “always have a very special place in my heart” and that bearing the flag at the 2012 Olympic Games was “an experience that will stay with me forever”.
In a statement released after the ceremony, he said: “Every Olympics is special, but nothing quite beats a home Games, and watching the city come together and creating memories in front of such amazing support at what would be my last is something I will never forget.
“It is a great honour to receive the freedom of the City, thank you.”
The couple, who were married in 2010, attended a joint ceremony at the lord mayor’s official residence, Mansion House, on Thursday.
The freedom of the City of London recognises individuals for significant contributions to London or public life more generally, as well as outstanding achievements.
Hoy, 49, revealed in October 2024 he had been diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer and was told by doctors he had between two and four years to live.
The Edinburgh-born cyclist retired from competitive racing in 2013 after winning 11 world championships and 34 World Cup titles throughout his career. He was knighted in the 2008 new year honours list after winning three gold medals at the Summer Olympics in Beijing.
The couple were nominated for the freedom by Alastair King, lord mayor of London, and Caroline Haines, the chair of the City of London Corporation’s Epping Forest and commons committee.
Lady Hoy, a solicitor from Edinburgh, is an ambassador for Bliss, a UK charity for sick and premature babies. The couple’s son, Callum, was born at 29 weeks weighing just 2lbs 2oz in 2014. Last year, she revealed she had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
“I feel very privileged that Chris and I were awarded freedom of the city at the same time,” she said. “Watching him compete at London 2012 in front of a home crowd that included our family and friends was so momentous. London will always remain a precious place for both of us.”
