Legendary Darts Champion Opens Up About Battle with Arthritis, Discusses Impact on Career and Day-to-Day Life

Former darts world champion Phil Taylor has candidly shared his struggles with arthritis, revealing the challenges it presents in his daily life. The 63-year-old, who announced his retirement from professional darts at the end of 2024, discussed the toll arthritis has taken on his body as he continues to compete on the World Senior Darts Tour.

Legendary Career and Retirement Plans:

Taylor, a 16-time world champion, is renowned as one of the most decorated players in darts history. Despite retiring once before in 2018, he returned to competitive darts and currently ranks seventh on the World Senior Darts Tour. As he prepares to face Martin Adams in the upcoming JenningsBet Champion of Champions event, Taylor reflects on his illustrious career and his desire to conclude it on a high note.

Challenges on the Darts Tour:

Following a recent defeat at the World Seniors Championship, Taylor expressed frustration with his performance, citing the physical strain caused by arthritis. He acknowledges the difficulty of competing at his best while battling chronic pain, emphasizing his determination to overcome these challenges and regain top form.

Arthritis Impact and Coping Strategies:

Taylor elaborates on the impact of arthritis on his game, particularly in his hip joint, which affects his throwing accuracy. Despite his immense success in the sport, he grapples with the constant pain that accompanies arthritis, describing it as a persistent challenge that affects his daily activities.

Taylor’s Career Assessment and Future Plans:

Reflecting on his remarkable career, Taylor modestly rates his achievements as a seven out of ten, acknowledging room for improvement. As he approaches retirement, he remains focused on making the most of his remaining time on the tour, striving to leave a lasting legacy in the darts community.

Continuing Role as a Senior Tour Ambassador:

While Taylor plans to retire from competitive darts, he will continue to serve as a global ambassador for the senior tour. Despite his decision to step away from the tour a few years ago, Taylor expresses gratitude for the memories and experiences gained throughout his career, emphasizing his desire to end his journey on a positive note.

Conclusion:

Phil Taylor’s candid revelation about his battle with arthritis sheds light on the physical challenges faced by athletes even after retirement looms. Despite his struggles, Taylor’s determination to persevere and leave a lasting impact on the sport exemplifies his legendary status in the world of darts. As he prepares for the next chapter of his life, Taylor’s resilience serves as an inspiration to fellow athletes and fans alike.

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