Noa-Lynn van Leuven, the talented transgender darts player, has recently celebrated two impressive victories, showing the world that her journey is far from over.
After stepping back to focus on her mental health, she returned to the sport with a vengeance, claiming two prestigious women’s titles.
Dominating the PDC Women’s Series
Van Leuven’s first victory came in Event 9, where she dominated Stefanie Lueck with a commanding 5-0 win in the final, securing her fifth PDC Women’s Series title.
Just days later, she made it two in a row, defeating Rhian O’Sullivan 5-1 in the final of Event 10 in Rosmalen, Netherlands.
Both events had a £10,000 prize pool, and in winning them both, Van Leuven matched Mikuru Suzuki’s impressive tally of six Women’s Series titles.
A Well-Deserved Break for Mental Health
The 28-year-old’s return to form is particularly remarkable considering the personal challenges she faced earlier this year.
In January, Van Leuven took a break from darts to focus on her mental well-being.
She shared her struggles with her fans on Instagram, explaining that her mental health had been affecting her performance for months.
In her emotional post, she revealed how old traumas resurfaced and interfered with her focus.
Acknowledging the toll it was taking, she made the decision to prioritize her health over the sport for the time being.
“I’ve tried to push it aside, but this time I haven’t been able to,” she wrote.
“Focusing on darts while old traumas from the events of the past year are flaring up, doesn’t work. It’s time to prioritize my mental health and work on getting better.”
She reassured her fans that this wasn’t the end of her career but a necessary step back to heal and move forward.
From Setback to Success
Van Leuven had debuted at the World Championship in December but was eliminated in the first round by fellow Dutch player Kevin Doets.
Despite this early setback, the following months saw her rise to prominence, particularly with her victories in 2024.
Her success was a testament to her resilience, especially considering the challenges she had been facing off the stage.
Controversy Surrounding Her Success
However, Van Leuven’s success hasn’t been without controversy.
Her rise has sparked debates within the darts community, with some female players, including British star Deta Hedman, calling for transgender athletes to be banned from women’s events.
Van Leuven did not remain silent on the matter, fiercely defending her place in the sport.
In October 2024, she expressed her frustration with those who criticized her success, calling them “toxic b***hes.”
She explained that many of her rivals secretly expressed confusion over the commotion, but she believed their actions were rooted in fear and prejudice.
“They see me as a threat. I throw well now because I feel more comfortable,” Van Leuven said, adding that her success was a result of the time and effort she had invested in the sport.
Strained Relationships Within the Team
Van Leuven’s personal struggles were not limited to her opponents.
In early 2024, she faced rejection from her Dutch teammates, Anca Zijlstra and Aileen de Graaf, who left the national team after refusing to play alongside her.
This situation further highlighted the challenges Van Leuven faced in both her personal and professional life.
Looking Ahead
Van Leuven’s journey is far from over.
Despite the obstacles she has encountered, her recent victories prove her strength and determination.
As she continues to break down barriers in darts, only time will tell how her story will unfold in the years to come.