Transgender darts star Noa-Lynn van Leuven speaks out on backlash at Ally Pally
Noa-Lynn van Leuven said that it was “really nice to just be able to be myself” at the World Darts Championship in her second year, having faced immense backlash 12 months ago on her debut. The transgender darts star was defeated 3-0 by Peter Wright in the first round, but insisted that she enjoyed the occasion at Alexandra Palace, even though the result did not go in her favour.The Dutch ace has previously opened up about the mental toll of being at the oche, having received substantial criticism while competing against women and rising through the ranks to become one of the top female players. Her debut at Ally Pally last year brought more attention, and negative comments.But entering this edition without as much noise, Van Leuven was happy that she could focus on darts.She said: “I guess it’s really nice to just be able to be myself and go on stage and just play darts. Because that’s what we want, right?”Van Leuven also sent a message to the LGBTQ and transgender communities, adding: “Like I always say, just be yourself, do whatever you like to do and just love the game.”The 29-year-old was disappointed with her performance, however, having hit just 19 per cent of her doubles in a 3-0 whitewash.“It just wasn’t my game,” Van Leuven admitted. “Last year I was way more focused, I was playing much better than I am now. This hasn’t been my year. I have only played six women’s series, I have played a couple of other tournaments and that’s it.“I am happy to be at Ally Pally, I am not really happy with how I performed. It could have been much better and I had a much better feeling going into the game but it is what it is.“I have been here again, it’s my second time, I will be here next year again - hopefully.”When asked about Beau Greaves, the three-time women’s world champion who plays her first match on Friday against Daryl Gurney, Van Leuven wished her rival well.“I hope she does really well in this tournament,” she added. “She is a great player, a great human being.“It was [a big achievement to be there]. I am happy to be back at Ally Pally and I just wish I could have played my own game, but I didn’t.”“Reaching Ally Pally again is amazing, the feeling is great, but I wish I had played better, wish I had hit those doubles.”
