Noa-Lynn van Leuven has responded to backlash she faced for participating 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 season. Despite a strong start in her opening set against Kevin Doets, ‘The Dutchess’ ultimately suffered a 3-1 defeat and exited the tournament in the first round.
Earlier this year, the World Darts Federation (WDF) opted to prohibit transgender competitors from their competitions. However, transgender athletes are still welcome to take part in Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) events, with no immediate plans for policy changes.
In an interview with Nu.nl, Van Leuven defended her eligibility and expressed her reluctance to engage in continuous debates about her identity as she gears up for the upcoming World Championship. “I adhere to all the regulations. End of story. I won’t spend my days explaining myself,” she stated.
Recently, the Netherlands Olympic committee NOC*NSF released preliminary guidelines for sports organizations regarding transgender inclusion. The guidance acknowledged the potential challenges in ensuring fair competition due to physical discrepancies in certain sports globally.
Van Leuven disapproved of the public portrayal of the guidelines, emphasizing that darts is primarily skill-based rather than reliant on physical attributes. “The guidelines pertain to grassroots sports, not elite competitions,” she clarified. “Darts is not about physical prowess. Victories are not determined by physical strength.”
Although the PDC has not signaled any intentions to modify its eligibility criteria, Van Leuven recognized the possibility of changes in the future. “If adjustments are made, it could essentially end my career,” she remarked. “The implications wouldn’t just affect me but the entire transgender community.”
Overcoming a tumultuous period marked by online abuse, mental health struggles, and personal hardships, Van Leuven has secured her place in the upcoming World Championship in December, showcasing a remarkable comeback. Just months ago, she had doubted her future. “Not long ago, I was uncertain if I would be here the following week,” she revealed. “Now, being back at the dartboard feels like a miracle.”
The pressure Van Leuven faced led to significant mental health challenges, prompting her to take a break from work and battle depression. “I spent weeks in bed, consumed by darkness and uncertainty,” the darts player born in 1996 shared. “I couldn’t see a way out.”
Rejuvenated and driven by a newfound determination, Van Leuven is on a positive trajectory. “Gradually, the passion returned,” she recounted. “Starting with practice, then local competitions, and now back to the World Championship. It’s a scenario I wouldn’t have imagined a few months ago.”
