A triumphant and emotional Sir Chris Hoy today began the next phase of his life after securing a sixth Olympic gold medal.
The 36-year-old from Edinburgh won keirin gold as Great Britain finished competition at the London 2012 velodrome with seven golds from 10 events. Whether Hoy's career is now over remains to be seen. The Glasgow Commonwealth Games at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in 2014 is the carrot in front of him now, but he is uncertain of participating.
"The dream scenario is to have that as my swansong, to be there for the Commonwealth Games, but it's a big ask, it's two more years," he said.
"I'd love to do it, but whether it happens or not, I don't know. I'll take a few months off the bike completely. I'm just looking forward to having a normal life now for the next couple of months and spending time with my wife (Sarra), being able to enjoy a drink or two, going out to play golf.
"I wouldn't be continuing doing this at the age of 36 if I didn't love it, but it is hard work, so two more years is a big ask. But there couldn't be a bigger draw than a home Commonwealth Games."
Hoy was tearful as he stepped on to the top step of the Olympic podium for a sixth time, surpassing Sir Steve Redgrave's previous best. Redgrave was in the velodrome and embraced Hoy afterwards.
Hoy added: "In terms of Steve Redgrave, he's still the greatest.
"Just because you have six gold medals, doesn't mean to say you're better than he is.
"He did it in five consecutive Games and when you realise how much goes into those four years... for him to do that five times, he's the greatest. Until someone does that six times consecutively, he's still the greatest.
"I was a rower as a schoolboy and to have somebody like Steve here to congratulate me, it's quite surreal. I couldn't have wished for a better end to it all."