Raising an Olympian: Chris Hoy

By Kim Hookem-Smith | Yahoo Lifestyle

World-champion cyclist Chris Hoy started his cycling career on a girl's bike. But it didn't hamper the long-term success of the three-time gold medalist.

"I don't think he realized it was a girl's bike at the time," says Hoy's mom, Carol. "Then he got his first BMX at about eight or nine. I thought he was going to cry with happiness. He was just so excited to go into the shop."

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But it wasn't just a new BMX that made Chris Hoy a winner. Early on, he exhibited a deep love of the sport and a strong drive to compete. And then there's the small matter of his mom's "BMX Go-Faster burgers."

Click for more Chris Hoy photosSays Carol Hoy: "My role was probably chief cook. I made soups and sandwiches but my most famous creation was the 'BMX Go-Faster Burger.' I told one little boy they were 'make-you-go-faster' burgers. The next thing, I had all these children queuing up to get the go-faster burgers."

Along with making her son (and his friends) superpower-infused hamburgers, Hoy's mom also supplied a healthy dose of academic prodding. She insisted that he maintain his studies and earn a degree, admitting that she "thought it mad" that anyone could make a living from riding a bike. So it's also fitting that Carol Hoy is overwhelmed by her son's success. "When he won silver in Sydney, I thought I was going to burst with pride. Then he went to Athens and won gold, I thought it can't get better than this. Then in Beijing he gets three [gold medals]!

"Those are very, very proud moments, but then I was proud of him when he won the egg and spoon race when he was a wee boy as well."

The Raising an Olympian video series, sponsored by Procter & Gamble, profiles athletes, their dedicated efforts to make it to Olympic games, and the mothers who had tremendous impacts on their lives. Check out Team Mom on Yahoo! Shine all summer for the full video series.

Also on Shine:

Raising an Olympian: Henry Cejudo
Raising an Olympian: Diana Lopez
Raising an Olympian: Kortney Clemons
Raising an Olympian: Ryan Lochte
Raising an Olympian: Kerri Walsh-Jennings
Raising an Olympian: Shawn Johnson