The Inspirational and Uplifting Memoir of Hope From One of GB’s Greatest Olympians
Sir Chris Hoy
Sir Chris Hoy knows better than most how life can change in the blink of an eye.
In elite sport, the margin between victory and defeat is miniscule, and the pressure is immense. Chris has built a glittering sporting career on understanding these moments: how to feel for them, how to cope with them, how to make them count.
Last year, he faced another life-changing moment. He found out that the ache in his shoulder was in fact a tumour, and that he had Stage 4 cancer. He will be living with this disease for the rest of his life.
In this memoir, Chris shares the next phase of his extraordinary life with exceptional bravery. He looks over the challenges he has faced thus far, and the ways he has taken them on. With his wife Sarra and their young children by his side, he shares how he has used these experiences to find ways to focus on the moments that matter, showing us how to do the same.
My Review:
Sir Chris Hoy’s memoir, All That Matters, is a testament to courage, resilience, and unwavering determination in the face of life’s most difficult challenges. As an Edinburgh native, I vividly recall the pride we all felt celebrating his medal victories and the golden postboxes that marked those moments throughout the city. When the news of his cancer diagnosis broke, it felt personal—this wasn’t just a name on the screen, but a fellow Edinburgher who had brought so much pride to our community. I felt compelled to hear his story, and it exceeded every expectation.
Listening to Chris Hoy narrate his memoir was mesmerizing. His voice brought a raw intimacy to the experience, making it feel as though he was sitting right beside me, sharing his triumphs, struggles, and reflections. The way he seamlessly wove together his past accomplishments with the present challenges of living with a terminal illness was both powerful and moving. His candid discussion of his wife Sarra’s recent MS diagnosis and its impact on their family added profound emotional depth.
All That Matters is far more than a chronicle of sporting triumphs or a battle with Stage 4 cancer. It’s a deeply moving tribute to his family – his wife, Sarra, and their two young children. The opening chapter shattered my heart and had me reaching for tissues. But as Hoy guides us through his journey of acceptance, the memoir transforms into a powerful reminder of the enduring strength of hope and the importance of cherishing life’s fleeting moments. Hoy’s remarkable ability to face unimaginable challenges while still finding light in the darkest times is truly inspiring.
One detail that stays with me is the Blossom Tree project Chris and Sarra created with their children – a beautiful and enduring symbol of resilience and focus during treatment. Seeing Sarra’s recent Instagram post featuring images of the tree made it even more poignant and tangible. From now on, every blossom tree I see will remind me of this remarkable family. 🌺
Hoy’s memoir offers an unflinching view of reality. With honesty, compassion, and humility, he shares his journey, emphasizing the power of resilience, love, and living fully in the present. Whether you’ve battled cancer, supported someone through tough times, or simply need a new perspective on life’s challenges, this book offers an uplifting and deeply inspiring message.
For me, this is perhaps the most moving and inspirational book I’ve ever read. Hoy’s bravery, coupled with his humble acceptance of the future, resonates profoundly. His ability to find meaning and strength in the face of personal challenges is deeply moving. The blend of vulnerability and quiet wisdom makes this book both deeply personal and widely relatable. By the end, I was left with a renewed sense of gratitude and a firm commitment to embrace the present moment.
If you’re looking for a story of resilience, hope, and humanity, All That Matters will not disappoint. It’s a raw, emotional, and ultimately uplifting journey that stays with you long after the last page. Sir Chris Hoy’s extraordinary life, paired with his unwavering optimism and strength, stands as a powerful source of inspiration.
Wishing the Hoy family many more years of shared love and strength 🌺
The Author:
Sir Chris Hoy, one of Britain’s most iconic athletes, was born in Scotland and is celebrated for his extraordinary achievements as a track cyclist and racing driver. Representing Great Britain at the Olympic and World Championships, and Scotland at the Commonwealth Games, Hoy’s illustrious career cemented his status as a legend in the sport. Across his career, he amassed 17 global titles across four disciplines, solidifying his place as one of the greatest track cyclists in history.
You can find out much more about Sir Chris Hoy by searching online, but his own website is Sir ChrisHoy.com
For more on the book, check out All That Matters, or for more on the charity bike ride, go to Tour De 4
The Book:
Title: All That Matters
Author: Sir Chris Hoy
Publication Date: 7 November 2024
Number of pages: 240
Audiobook: 5h 55m
The Review:
I was drawn to All That Matters because Sir Chris Hoy’s story felt deeply personal. As a proud Scot, his achievements in sport had always filled me with pride, and learning about his journey through illness and family struggles made me eager to hear his voice directly. Wanting to fully immerse myself in his words, I purchased both the audiobook and the hardback edition. Listening to Hoy narrate his own story added an intimacy to the experience, while reading along allowed me to absorb every detail and emotion. This book resonated with me on a profound level—it was more than just a story; it was a reminder of the power of resilience and love. He may not live in Scotland now, but he will always be Scottish at heart.
All views expressed are my own. This review, or parts thereof, may also be published on my social medial channels – find me everywhere as momobookdiary – and book websites, such as Amazon, Goodreads, LoveReading, StoryGraph, and Waterstones. All links are correct at the time of publication.
Tags: #SirChrisHoy #AllThatMatters #MemoirOfTheYear #ChrisHoyMemoir #ScottishLegend #ScottishChampion #BritishChampion #WorldChampion #OlympicChampion #Cancer #Stage4Cancer #MS #family #cancerjourney #livingfully #resilience
#InspiringReads #UpliftingBooks #FamilyandLove #BookReview #MemoirReview #TrueStories #Scotsman #sportandlife
MoMoBookDiary 
Leave a reply to Goodbye 2024 – Hello 2025 – MoMoBookDiary Cancel reply