Sir Chris Hoy tweets on Taiwan earthquake escape

SCOTTISH Olympic hero Sir Chris Hoy was caught up in a strong earthquake that struck in central Taiwan early today.

Sir Chris Hoy is Britain's most successful Olympian, with six gold medals. Picture: Ian Rutherford

The 6.1-magnitude earthquake killed one person and left at least 19 others injured after they were hit by by falling objects on the east Asian island.

Six-time gold medallist Hoy was staying in a hotel in Taichung, about 40 miles north of the earthquake’s epicentre in the mostly rural county of Nantou.

He said on Twitter: “In Taichung, just experienced my first proper earthquake! Building shaking and swaying, light fittings & pictures falling off the walls!”

He added: “Wow, it felt pretty scary here on the 15th floor of our hotel!”

His wife Sarra also tweeted: “The earthquake has stopped but I’m still shaking.”

The earthquake, which occurred at a relatively shallow depth of nine miles (15km), was felt throughout Taiwan, the Central Weather Bureau said.

Buildings swayed in the capital Taipei, and sections of the high-speed rail were suspended from service to be inspected for damage.

Emergency officials said a 72-year-old woman became the first known fatality from the quake. They said she died when a temple wall she was standing next to collapsed and crushed her in Nantou.

Sir Chris was yesterday unveiled as a champion for Glasgow’s bid to host the 2018 Youth Olympic Games.

Other Olympic stars backing the bid include rower Katherine Grainger, silver medal-winning swimmer Michael Jamieson and taekwondo gold medallist Jade Jones.