Chris Hoy: The Autobiography

by Chris Hoy

The first Briton to win three Olympic golds at the same Games, Scotland’s Chris Hoy is a genuine sports superhero. His autobiography charts the life of a seven-year-old BMX fanatic, supported by a devoted dad and his local cycling club, through paralyzing self-doubt and a major career overhaul, to the sport’s holy grail. This 32-year-old cycling fanatic from Musselburgh in the suburbs of Edinburgh defied the doubters who thought he would struggle when his specialist discipline, the 1km time trial, was dropped from the Olympics, and went on to reinvent himself as a track cycling sprinter and triple Olympic gold medalist in Beijing. His return to these shores sparked unprecedented celebrations and real admiration that here was a role model who was the epitome of all things that are good in sport. What makes a champion in sport? In his autobiography, Hoy returns to his roots as a child fully engaged with the BMX craze of the 1980s; when, even as a spotty seven-year-old his will to succeed allied to an unyielding mental strength set him apart from other youngsters of his age. A promising rower and rugby player in school, it was when he joined his first local cycling club and spent most weekends of the year competing in national events from Blackpool to Bristol that the seeds of his future career were sown.

Genres: Cycling, Biography, Sports, Autobiography, Nonfiction

306 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Sir Christopher Andrew Hoy is a former track cyclist and racing driver from Scotland who represented Great Britain at the Olympic and World Championships and Scotland at the Commonwealth Games.

On 18 April 2013, Hoy announced his retirement from competitive cycling. He said he was very proud to have taken part in the transformation of the sport.

Abridged from Wikipedia

Reviews

[Khurram · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had heard lots about Sir Chris Hoy reading other autobiographies, and in the news. The strange thing is despite being a great athlete, ambassador and a celebrity there was never a bad word about him from anybody. Then I saw his own interviews and he came across as a gentleman and nice grounded sort of fellow. Could this really be Brittan's most successful athlete? Yes it can!!! I was so good to read a book that is so positive. I became a bigger fan of Chris Hoy after reading this book.

Chris show his scientific background and takes a very analytical approach to writing this book. Talking about how hard work will overcome talent any day of the week. The determination and sacrifice to become a great athlete, yet being grounded, relatable and respected enough by his peers and fans alike to become an ambassador and leader of his sport. Even better this book is extended to capture his London 2012 exploits and accolades.

In his recent retirement Sir Chris said he left it all on the track. He writes this book with the same kind of passion and commitment he show to his sport. As a reader I thought I felt all the emotion Chris felt in his races, without the pain or painful side effects. Coming from an endurance background I have been trying to learning more amounts sprinting to become more explosive in my training and exaction. This book covers everything from the physical to mental toughness needed to become an athlete. Great book by a great bloke.

[Colin Mitchell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I have an interest in cycling, this is not the type of story that I would normally pick up but was passed on by a cycle club friend.

After a few chapters this autobiography falls into the general pattern of, "We went here did this time going well or bad luck we were beaten". After a time this gets very tedious. The whole focus was about his track cycling success and gave little about his family life or about his feelings. Of course he will hopefully have a long life ahead which will cover more years than his years in the spotlight. I wonder if it is quite the right time to publish an autobiography except as a money spinner. I wonder how much of the writing was him and how much Richard Moore a journalist.

A great cycling career but the book is strictly for ardent fans and cycling aficionados. On that count I like it but put it in the 3 star category.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great. Funny. Insightful. Chris Hoy worked HARD.

[Eamonn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where to start with this man? The most decorated British Olympian of all-time: a man with quads worthy of display through the medium of Greco-Roman sculpture, and a knighthood to boot. One may expect, or indeed even hope, that Sir Chris would reveal himself as a bit of an ar*ehole through his writing, what with all of his success, but based on this book he is anything but. He is the quintessential sportsman, in every sense of the word.

The book leads us through Sir Chris’ sporting journey, from his days as a tyke racing BMX, all the way through to London 2012, where he cemented his place as an all-time legend. It is an enjoyable read for cycling/ Olympics fans, however, rather unfortunately, there isn’t much detail regarding his inner motivation and training regimen, which I personally think would have added more colour and personality to this work. I just wanted more from the book, given that he must have had a seriously deep drive, motivation and mindset to accomplish such remarkable feats on the track.

It is still a thoroughly enjoyable read, albeit more autobiographical than particularly insightful. I suppose it is the fact that Sir Chris has had such a long and accomplished career that lends itself to this style. Hats off to him!

[Victoria Kehoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hard read but so inspiring. A great big reminder to put everything in perspective and to be grateful every day. I loved hearing about Chris’s career and the many, many highlights. So many amazing achievements. The detail in the panic and horror at diagnosis was so raw, but the place Chris got to is just incredible.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and fairly well written. Worth a read

[mark feenan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this autobiography. Brilliant cyclist and a down to earth bloke.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting insight into the making if an Olympic Champion.

[Emus · Rating 3 out of 5]

good book, would've liked more in depth on the training itself

[John Houston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Book....the real Mc Hoy,

Right from the start I loved this book. I'm not sure how much help Chris had in writing it but from cover to cover it felt like it was just him speaking. At all times it came across as honest and true. I enjoyed how he described his early upbringing in Edinburgh and time and again he points out not how special he was/is but how he was just an ordinary guy.

His rowing experiences and his way of describing how he used that to move out of his comfort zone is well expressed - I found myself constantly referring to his story in providing encouragement to my own kids. His cycling journey is amazing to read and at each stage you get to share his achievements and his passion but always it comes with a dose of humility and a sense of awe.

In a time when much of what he was doing was unstructured and far from scientific it helps underline how far one can go with the right desire and effort. This is such an inspirational book. It does not shirk from the effort required but it also lays bare how fragile the existence of a top athlete is and how "ordinary" they really are.

[Alastair Arthur · Rating 3 out of 5]

Autobiography focussed on the cycling career of the multiple Olympic champion. A very open and down-to-earth book with a lot of humility. Some fascinating insight into sports psychology and training approaches, Hoy comes across as a very likeable character with a lot of determination but with motivation coming from enjoyment of the sport rather a driven need to prove himself. What can appear as annoying 'name dropping' in some biographies, here comes across as genuine appreciation and admiration for the achievement and skills of others. Not massively inspirational but a well written and enjoyable read.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Chris Hoy's book, it made a pleasant read after Nicole Cook's moaning and complaining of my previous book. Hoy definitely comes over as cycling's 'Mr Nice Guy' although to achieve what he did there must be a determined, stubborn streak there somewhere. He certainly seems to have his wits about him be it on the track or making the most of his assets to earn a living. He strikes me as the sort of person I would like to invite round for dinner. The writing style is not great but I would recommend this book to anyone interesting in reading about sport and what it takes to get to the top.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I think that the main reason why I enjoyed it so much is because I look up to Chris as a role model and I always have done. If anyone wants to find out interesting facts about him then this is the book for you!

[Ardinglylibrarian]

His autobiography charts the life of a seven-year-old BMX fanatic, supported by a devoted dad and his local cycling club, through paralyzing self-doubt and a major career overhaul, to the sport’s holy grail.

[D · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of Edinburgh's finest sporting stars,

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

After a year of sitting on my shelf half read, I finally finished! The second half definitely much more interesting.

[Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

...it was all a bit 'I did this, then I did this...' for 350 pages. Not much about the motivation and the man. The bolted on London 2012 stuff was a bit rushed...

[Will Irwin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some of the cycling chapters bored me to tears, but better than I thought. More for cycling/Olympic enthusiasts...

[Liz Moffat · Rating 3 out of 5]

You'd like this a lot more than I did if you were a cyclist. Chris's ambitions and his love of cycling are described here from early years to the Olympic years. A very talented and focused man.

[Colin Macleod · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a sport that lends itself well to text. Nonetheless, a great story of hard work and determination.

[Mdspevack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great insight into the mentality of a multiple Olympic champion.

[Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Chris Hoy being one of my favroite cyclist, I highly rate this book.

[David Highton · Rating 4 out of 5]

enjoyed this