Tributes have poured in for Olympic cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy after he revealed he had been diagnosed with terminal cancer.

In an interview with the Sunday Times, Hoy, who won six gold and one silver medals for Team GB, said doctors had told him he had two to four years to live.

Although Hoy, 48, said earlier this year that he was being treated for cancer, he did not reveal what type of cancer it was, but told the Sunday Times that he had been diagnosed with primary cancer in the prostate spread to his bones.

His wife Sarra was also diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a degenerative disease. The couple have two children, Chloe and Callum.

“As unnatural as it feels, this is nature,” Hoy told the Sunday Times. “You know, we're all born and we all die, and that's just part of the process. Remember: Aren’t I lucky I can take medication that will prevent this for as long as possible?”

“Hand on heart, I'm pretty positive and genuinely happy most of the time,” he added. “This is bigger than the Olympics. It's bigger than anything else. It’s about appreciating life and finding joy.”

Following the publication of the article, social media platforms were filled with tributes and support from friends and well-wishers.

“You are incredible Chris, you send me a lot of love and strength,” said Olympic champion Sally Gunnell.

TV pundit and ex-footballer Ally McCoist wrote: “You, my friend, are a superstar in every sense of the word. Love and strength from all of us.”

Mark Cavendish, his colleague and Olympic cyclist, called Hoy a “human being’s hero.”

The Edinburgh-born athlete is credited with playing a key role in making British Cycling the success it is today.

Hoy later shared a picture on Instagram from the Track Cycling World Championships in Copenhagen and wrote: “You may see some articles in the news this weekend about my health, so I just wanted to reassure you all that I'm feeling fit and strong and positive and overwhelmed by all the love and support shown to my family and me. Forward!”

British Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: “I am in awe that Chris Hoy is facing his cancer battle with the same positivity and resilience that has characterized his life and career.” The whole country will be cheering him on, as we have so many times before have done and send so much love to him and his family.”

“I send all good wishes to Sir Chris Hoy and his family,” wrote Scottish Prime Minister John Swinney. “He always inspired us with everything he did. He is a person of incredible courage, and that still shows today.”

“Chris Hoy is one of the best to ever represent our country,” said Olympic rower Matthew Pinsent. “Thoughts are with him, Sarra and his immediate family.”

“An article to keep you on the edge of your seat,” wrote football commentator Jacqui Oatley. “It is devastating to read the diagnosis of Sir Chris Hoy and his wife Sarra. Life can be so cruel. But the class and humility with which he tells this story is truly humbling.”

“Overwhelmed by the resilience and determination of Sir Chris Hoy this morning,” said TV presenter Dan Walker. “Shortly after being told he only had two to four years to live due to his terminal cancer, his lovely wife Sarra was diagnosed with MS.

“The man remains an incredible inspiration. Sending love to the whole family.”