VAN LEUVEN PROUD TO REPRESENT DUTCH TEAM IN OPEN CATEGORY

NOA-LYNN VAN LEUVEN admits she is “proud” to represent the Netherlands in the open category at the WDF.

A new rule in international darts banning trans players from the women’s category left ‘The Duchess’ unsure if she would represent her nation again. 

But Van Leuven still battled her way to still feature in the 4 Nations Cup which starts in two weeks. 

Van Leuven revealed she was overjoyed to earn another call-up and wear the famous bright orange jersey. 

She wrote on Instagram: “I’ve officially qualified again for the Dutch team, and this time in the open category.  

“With all the new rules and changes this year, it definitely wasn’t a given… which makes this one feel even more special. 

“Grateful, proud and very excited to wear orange again and represent the Netherlands. 

“Next stop: the 4 Nations Cup in two weeks. Let’s go.” 

Van Leuven featured at the World Championship in December but was knocked out in the first round after losing 3-0 to Peter Wright. 

Prior to the tournament, Van Leuven took a break from the sport citing struggles with her mental health. 

After getting professional support, Van Leuven returned to the oche and hopes to inspire others battling similar struggles. 

She added: “I basically only got out of bed when I was hungry.  

“Then I’d grab a bag of chips, lie back down, and Netflix all day.  

“But as long as you just keep going and don’t think too much, you get by.   

“Last year I had so many darts tournaments that I didn’t have time to dwell on how I was really doing.   

“First this tournament, then that Worlds. But when all that is over, the crash comes.  

“It felt like I ran into a massive concrete wall.  

“Helping others matters more to me than thinking about myself.  

“If there’s even one person who thinks: I’m not crazy, I’m allowed to be myself, then all the misery is worth it.”

Image by Taylor Lanning.