Noa-Lynn van Leuven responded to criticism regarding her participation in women’s darts events. The 29-year-old transgender player, originally from the Netherlands, made history as the first Dutch woman to qualify for the World Darts Championship last year. Despite a strong start in her debut match, she ultimately lost 3-1 to Kevin Doets and exited the tournament early.
Earlier this year, the World Darts Federation (WDF) prohibited transgender players from their competitions, while the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) still allows their participation with no imminent changes expected. Van Leuven, in an interview with Nu.nl, defended her eligibility and expressed her focus on the upcoming World Championship rather than engaging in constant identity debates.
Addressing the recent draft guidance from the Netherlands Olympic committee on transgender sports participation, Van Leuven emphasized darts as a skill-based discipline, not reliant on physical strength. She highlighted that any alterations to eligibility criteria by the PDC could impact not only her but the entire transgender community.
Following a challenging period marked by online harassment and mental health struggles, Van Leuven successfully secured her place at the upcoming World Championship, showcasing a remarkable comeback from previous personal lows. Reflecting on her journey, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete again, emphasizing the significance of her renewed passion for the sport.
Van Leuven’s battle with mental health issues led her to take a break, facing a period of depression and uncertainty. However, she has since regained her motivation and is eagerly preparing for the upcoming championship, demonstrating resilience and determination in her return to the darts scene.