Sir Chris Hoy - Interview
Posted by Abz on Mon, 02 Feb 2009.
Abz: You received the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award as well as getting a Knighthood. What does it mean to you to be recognised by the public who, before the Olympics, maybe didn’t know who you are?
Chris: The best thing is that it’s not just me but Track Cycling which is recognised by the public. Events like the World Cups or the Revolution races are sold out for weeks before the event. That is great.
Abz: What do the awards and Honours mean to you?
Chris: It is great to be given these awards but again, it’s not just about me, it is recognition for the whole team including managers, mechanics and coaches. I can’t race without the backroom staff.
Abz: At Rotterdam you were introduced as ‘Sir Chris Hoy’ will you ever get used to that?
Chris: To all my friends, I am still Chris but Sir Chris sounds pretty cool to me.
Abz: The 6 day in Rotterdam is another event that has gone really well for you. After having been off your bike since the Olympics did you expect to do as well as you did?
Chris: I had not been able to get much training time on my bike after Beijing but I still managed to get to the gym fairly regularly so I carried a fair amount of core fitness into Rotterdam. It was hard work but I enjoyed getting back on my bike.
Abz: At the minute you are writing your autobiography, can you tell us how that’s going and a bit about the process of writing a book?
Chris: Things are going well. I have got quite a lot done since I came out to Australia. It’s just a case of setting down a framework and working through a chapter at a time.
Abz: Since the Olympics you have become very popular with the public and the media, how has this affected your life?
Chris: I have been very busy with interviews and visits and work for my sponsors but now that I am back to training and racing, I am sure things will calm down. I have done some great things and met some fantastic people so it has all been great fun
Abz: The Olympics went amazingly well for you, what does it mean to represent the UK in and event that is anticipated by millions round the world?
Chris: Riding at the highest level I could, has always been my target. When I am on the start line, I only think about the race and my opponent. It’s only afterwards that you realise how many people have been watching back home. It’s always great to hear from friends and family who have been watching my races all over the world. It sort of ties everyone together no matter where they are.
Abz: What are your plans for the future?
Chris: I intend to continue riding up to the London Olympics in 2012 and all being well, I will go on to retire in Glasgow at the Commonwealth Games in 2014.
Abz: Do you have any tips for people who want to get into cycling?
Chris: Join a local club, make friends and have fun. Try everything, BMX, MTB, Track, Road, Time Trials. Just have fun. If you do that, you will find what you enjoy most and that is a pretty good reason for doing anything.
Abz: Highland Spring’s marketing director Sally Stanley commented “He will be a fantastic brand ambassador for Highland Spring…” does this and any similar comments put any pressure on you e.g. having to live up to expectations?
Chris: Not really. I try to live a fairly normal life so what you see is what you get. I appreciate that my sponsors are investing in me and I am happy if I can add something to the marketing of their products.
Abz: Since being sponsored by Highland Spring you have started working with young people to promote taking part in sports and keeping hydrated how is that going and what are the plans for the future?
Chris: Correct hydration is so important for everyone. It’s great to meet and talk with young people. It’s not so long since I was one! Helping to encourage kids to take part in any sport or physical activity is great fun. I get huge satisfaction seeing young cyclists improving and enjoying themselves.
Abz: Thank you very much for your time!
To find out more about Sir Chris Hoy, visit his website at: