​Chris Hoy, the six-time Olympic track cycling champion, has announced that he was diagnosed with cancer last year, but says he is “optimistic, positive and surrounded by love”, reports the BBC.

Multiple Olympic and world champion Chris Hoy has announced that he is being treated for cancer

The 47-year-old Briton posted a message on Instagram explaining that his diagnosis came as a “huge shock” as it came after he had no symptoms. Hoy did not specify the type of cancer, but said his treatment, which includes chemotherapy, “is going very well.”

“I continue to function, ride a bike and live a normal life. For the sake of my young family, I had hoped to keep this information a secret, but unfortunately, our side was forced to. While I appreciate any support, I would like to resolve this privately.

I am optimistic, positive and surrounded by love, for which I am truly grateful. As you can imagine, the past few months have been incredibly difficult.

However, I feel good now. An exciting year of work lies ahead, not least with the Olympic Games in Paris in July. I can’t wait to participate, have fun and share it with all of you” – Chris Hoy.

Check out this Instagram post

A post shared by Sir Chris Hoy (@chrishoy1)

Hoy won six Olympic gold medals between 2004 and 2012. He is also an 11-time world champion and the second most decorated Olympic cyclist of all time.

The Briton won Olympic silver in the team sprint in Sydney 2000 and his first gold in the 1km time trial in Athens 2004, before winning three gold medals in Beijing 2008 and two more in London 2012.

He retired from cycling in 2013, his record 17 world titles in four disciplines making him the most successful track cyclist of all time.

Only Jason Kenny, with seven, has won more Olympic medals for Great Britain than Hoy, who was knighted in 2009.

In recent years, Hoy has been an expert and commentator for BBC Sport, writes News.ro.