Sir Chris Hoy and his spouse, Lady Sarra Hoy, have been awarded the Freedom of the City of London.

They have been acknowledged for their philanthropic efforts in promoting cancer awareness and improving neonatal care, alongside Sir Chris’ remarkable accomplishments as a British track cyclist.

The couple, who tied the knot in 2010, attended a shared ceremony on Thursday at The Mansion House, the official residence of the Lord Mayor.

“London holds a significant place in my heart; serving as the flag-bearer during the 2012 Olympics is an experience I will cherish forever,” Sir Chris remarked.

“It is a tremendous privilege to receive the Freedom of the City, and I am grateful.”

At 49, Sir Chris, a six-time Olympic cycling champion, disclosed in February 2024 that he was undergoing treatment for cancer, which included chemotherapy.

In October 2024, he shared that his diagnosis was terminal and that doctors estimated he had two to four years left to live.

Throughout his career, which ended in 2013, the Edinburgh native earned six Olympic gold medals, 11 world championships, and 34 World Cup titles.

He was knighted in the 2008 New Year Honours List following his success at the Beijing Olympics.

The couple was nominated for this honor by Lord Mayor of London Alastair King and Caroline Haines, the chair of the City of London Corporation’s Epping Forest and Commons Committee.

Their son, Callum, was born in 2014 at just 29 weeks, weighing 2 pounds 2 ounces (approximately 960 grams).

Lady Sarra serves as an ambassador for Bliss, a UK charity dedicated to supporting sick and premature infants.

She expressed her profound gratitude and appreciation for the recognition of her charitable efforts.

The custom of granting the Freedom of the City is thought to have originated in 1237.