Noa-Lynn van Leuven responded to criticism regarding her participation in women’s darts competitions. The 29-year-old transgender player, originally male from the Netherlands, made history as the first Dutch woman to qualify for the World Darts Championship. Despite a strong start in her debut match, she was defeated 3-1 and exited the tournament early.
The World Darts Federation recently prohibited transgender players from its events, while the Professional Darts Corporation still allows their participation without plans to change. Van Leuven, in an interview with Nu.nl, reaffirmed her eligibility and expressed a reluctance to engage in ongoing identity debates as she gears up for another World Championship appearance.
Regarding guidelines issued by the Netherlands Olympic committee on transgender sports participation, Van Leuven emphasized that darts relies on skill rather than physical prowess, dismissing concerns about fairness in elite competition. While the PDC currently maintains its eligibility standards, Van Leuven acknowledged the potential for future shifts, recognizing the implications for herself and the broader transgender community.
Having overcome online harassment, mental health challenges, and personal struggles, Van Leuven secured her return to the World Championship stage in December, following a period of uncertainty about her future. Reflecting on her journey, she highlighted the significance of her comeback and the joy of resuming competitive play.
Van Leuven’s battle with mental health issues led to a hiatus marked by depression and self-doubt. However, she has since regained her passion for the sport, gradually rebuilding her confidence through practice and local competitions, culminating in her remarkable comeback to the World Championship scene.
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