The Scottish sprint star also won 26 World Championship medals in a glittering career, and at Beijing 2008 he became the first Briton to win three gold medals at the same Olympics since swimmer Henry Taylor a century earlier in 1908.

"I am officially announcing my retirement from competition today," said Sir Chris at a press conference in Murrayfield.

"I just feel I don't want to be there at Glasgow 2014 to make up the numbers.

"I realised I got everything out in London.

"It would be better to stand aside and let a younger rider come through.

"I will be there as an ambassador for the Games and as a mentor, if they want me."

Sir Chris Hoy was awarded a Knighthood for his services to sport in 2009

Sir Chris has also received a mountain of accolades, including BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2008, Sports Journalists' Association of Great Britain Sportsman of the Year in the same year, and a Knighthood from the Queen for his services to sport in 2009.

At the press conference today, he spoke of his proudest achievements in the sport, focussing on last summer's campaign at the London Olympics as a particular highlight, where he won his sixth Olympic gold medal to secure his status as Britain's most decorated Olympian.

"To stand on the podium in Athens and hear your name, I thought nothing could top that," Sir Chris explained.

"But then in London to get a sixth gold medal was incredible.

"I am very fortunate that I have so many great memories.

"I have had so much fun."

It had been anticipated that Sir Chris would compete at Glasgow 2014, but his retirement rules out any chance of him doing so.

Glasgow 2014 chief executive David Grevemberg said he "respected" the decision.

"We respect Sir Chris Hoy's decision to retire from international competition and pay tribute to his spectacular achievements at the highest levels of elite world sport over the past two decades," he said.

"Sir Chris is not only Britain's greatest Olympian, he is an inspiration and a first-class Ambassador for Scotland and the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

The announcement of his retirement rules Sir Chris Hoy out of competing at the 2014 Commonwealth Games at the velodrome named after him at the Glasgow Emirates Arena

"We look forward to continuing our excellent relationship with him as, together, we share the excitement and potential Glasgow and Scotland's Commonwealth Games hold for the next generation of athletes aspiring for gold."

sportscotland chair Louise Martin also paid tribute to Sir Chris following the announcement of his retirement, saying: "Sir Chris has achieved an unprecedented level of success in sport, yet has always remained remarkably modest about his incredible achievements.

"Our greatest ever Olympian, Chris' professionalism, positive attitude, and dedication to his sport made him the perfect role model to children and young people as well as to those aspiring to be as good as him in track cycling and other sports."

British Cycling President Brian Cookson and performance director Sir Dave Brailsford relived Sir Chris' finest moments on the track as they spoke of his influence on the sport.

"The impact that Sir Chris Hoy has had on our sport since he won his first gold medal in Athens in 2004 is unparalleled," Cookson explained.

"It goes without saying that not only is Chris an absolutely phenomenal athlete, but he is also an exceptional individual.

"The fact that he's acquired six gold medals and is Britain's most successful ever Olympian is testament to this.

"But Chris has done so much more for cycling – he was one of the first track riders to propel cycling into the mainstream back in 2008, bringing track cycling to new audiences and inspiring thousands of people to get on their bikes.

Sir Dave Brailsford hailed Sir Chris Hoy's gold in the 1km at Athens 2004 as "one of the most epic Olympic moments that I've ever experienced"

"This truly does feel like the end of an era and we have a lot to thank Sir Chris Hoy for at British Cycling.

"Although I know Chris will still be involved in the sport and that he will continue to work with us, I want to wish him all the best for the future."

Sir David added: "I can't speak highly enough of Chris and his career.

"On a personal note I will never forget his kilo in Athens – it was one of the most epic Olympic moments that I've ever experienced, the tension in the build-up was unreal.

"Chris' application, athleticism and dedication are second to none and I've said it many times but he is a true Olympic champion who embodies all of the Olympic values.

"Chris is always welcome to come back to the velodrome and share his experiences and wisdom with the next generation of cyclists, and I wish him the best of luck in his retirement."


British Olympic Association (BOA) chairman Sebastian Coe also spoke of Sir Chris' outstanding contribution to the sport following his retirement, as well as his professional attitude that has influenced so many young athletes. 

"Throughout his remarkable career, Sir Chris Hoy has exemplified the values that define an Olympic champion," he said

"His pursuit of excellence has been tireless.

"His respect for opponents, and commitment to clean competition, has been unwavering.

"And his dignity in victory has set an example that generations of Team GB athletes will strive to emulate.

"Chris is an icon and he has earned a revered place among our nation's greatest sporting heroes.

"His gold medal triumphs this past summer in London are two of the defining moments of the Games, and were a source of pride and inspiration for millions throughout our country.

Coe also spoke of Sir Chris' involvement in Glasgow's bid to host the 2018 Youth Olympic Games, a bid which is spearheaded by the BOA.

"We are grateful that Chris has chosen to continue his association with the British Olympic Association by serving as a Glasgow 2018 Champion in its bid to host the Youth Olympic Games," Coe said.

"As he transitions now from his unparalleled competitive career and takes on a series of new and different challenges, we wish Sir Chris the very best for continued success, and we thank him for his commitment to Team GB and the Olympic Movement."

Sir Chris announced that he will continue to cycle in order "to combat the beer belly" following his retirement, as well as planning to work with Scottish Rugby, develop his own range of bikes and do charity work for Unicef.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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