• London Olympics 2012

Hoy admits he may not defend Olympic titles

Sir Chris Hoy faces fierce competition from Jason Kenny for his sprint slot at the London Olympics © PA Photos

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• Profile: Chris Hoy

Sir Chris Hoy has hinted he may not target a repeat of his triple gold medal success at next year's London Olympics, in order to make sure he does not miss out on gold altogether.

Hoy arrived home from the Beijing Games in 2008 holding gold medals in the keirin, sprint and team sprint. He had also won gold in the 1km time trial in Athens back in 2004.

British fans will expect more success from the powerful Scot in 2012, but due to new regulations Hoy is not even guaranteed the chance of competing in three events. Britain can only race one individual in each discipline, so faces huge competition from the likes of Jason Kenny, whom he beat in the final of the sprint in Beijing.

If Hoy does qualify for every event, he admits there is the possibility he will concentrate on only one or two in order to ensure he does not spread himself too thinly.

"First of all I have to get there. Before any decision is made as to whether I can defend the three titles, I have to earn the right to compete in them," Hoy said in the Sun.

"If I'm the best rider from Britain at the World Championships in Australia next March - I think that's what selection will ultimately be based on - then it will be down to me to decide whether I want to go for three events or whether I narrow my focus.

"I would always take winning one Olympic gold in London over the possibility of trying for three and falling short in all of them. It's about being Olympic champion. But I also believe if I am good enough to win one gold medal, I am good enough to win three.

"And I would swap every world title it was possible to win between Beijing and next summer if it meant that I am on top of the podium at London 2012."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.