Sir Chris Hoy and Wife Honored with Freedom of the City of London
A remarkable tribute has been bestowed upon cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy and his wife, Lady Sarra Hoy, as they received the Freedom of the City of London in recognition of their significant contributions to charitable work and sporting excellence. The couple were formally presented with the honor at a ceremony held at The Mansion House on Thursday.
A Legacy of Achievement and Philanthropy
The Freedom of the City of London, a tradition dating back to 1237, is one of the highest honors the city can confer. It acknowledges individuals who have made exceptional contributions to public life. In the case of Sir Chris and Lady Sarra Hoy, the recognition stems from a combination of athletic prowess, dedicated charitable endeavors, and a commitment to improving the lives of others.
Sir Chris, a six-time Olympic champion, achieved unparalleled success on the track, winning 11 world championships and 34 World Cup titles before retiring from competitive racing in 2013. He was knighted in 2008 following his triumphs at the Beijing Olympics. Beyond his sporting achievements, Sir Chris is celebrated for his advocacy for cancer awareness. He publicly revealed in February 2024 that he was undergoing treatment, including chemotherapy, and later announced in October 2024 that his diagnosis was terminal, with doctors estimating a prognosis of two to four years.
Commitment to Neonatal Care
Lady Sarra Hoy’s dedication to neonatal care has also been a driving force behind the couple’s recognition. She serves as an ambassador for Bliss, a UK charity dedicated to supporting sick and premature babies. Their personal experience with the challenges of premature birth – their son Callum was born at 29 weeks weighing 2lbs 2oz (approximately 960g) in 2014 – has deeply informed her commitment to the cause.
“It is a great honour to receive the Freedom of the City; thank you,” Sir Chris stated, adding, “London will always have a very special place in my heart, being the flag-bearer at the 2012 Olympic Games is an experience that will stay with me forever.” Lady Sarra expressed being “deeply touched and honoured to have her charity work recognised.”
Nomination and Civic Recognition
The nomination for the Freedom of the City was jointly submitted by Lord Mayor of London Alastair King and Caroline Haines, chair of the City of London Corporation’s Epping Forest and Commons Committee. This joint recognition underscores the breadth of the Hoy’s impact, spanning the realms of sport, health, and community service. The honor serves as a powerful testament to their enduring legacy and unwavering dedication to making a positive difference in the world.
