Noa-Lynn Van Leuven: Facing Abuse and Fighting for Inclusion at the World Darts Championship

Noa-Lynn Van Leuven’s Journey: The Toll of Visibility in Elite Darts

In December 2025, Noa-Lynn Van Leuven returned to the World Darts Championship at London’s Alexandra Palace—a venue known for its raucous crowds and high drama. Her walk-on, accompanied by the queer anthem “Euphoria,” marked more than just a sporting moment; it symbolized resilience in the face of adversity. Van Leuven, now 29, had become the first transgender woman ever to compete at this level a year prior, and her story since then has been anything but straightforward. (Daily Mail, Outsports)

Abuse, Isolation, and the Mental Health Cost

For Van Leuven, the aftermath of her historic debut in 2024 was not a victory lap. Knocked out in the early rounds, she was met with a torrent of online abuse and exclusion from fellow competitors. The impact was severe: “I basically only got out of bed when I was hungry,” she told Oche 180. Days blurred into each other as she lay in bed, watching Netflix, struggling under the weight of relentless transphobia. At its worst, she described feeling like she’d “run into a massive concrete wall,” with nowhere left to fall back. (Them)

Van Leuven’s distress was compounded by very public acts of exclusion. Anca Zijlstra and Aileen de Graaf resigned from the Dutch national team, refusing to play alongside her. British darts star Deta Hedman forfeited matches rather than face Van Leuven, stating bluntly: “I’m not playing against a man in a woman’s body.” Such statements cut deep. “Everything I’d been through before suddenly resurfaced,” Van Leuven reflected. “At a certain point I was convinced that all people were scary and s***ty.”

Institutional Exclusion and Changing Rules

The landscape for trans athletes in darts shifted dramatically in July 2025, when the World Darts Federation (WDF) instituted a new rule: only those female by birth could compete in women’s tournaments. Van Leuven was banned from women-only events, forced instead to play in open categories. This decision mirrored a broader trend in sports, as organizations increasingly bowed to pressure to restrict trans athletes’ participation. The International Olympic Committee (IOC), for instance, hinted at upcoming rules targeting women with “male levels of testosterone,” despite research showing trans women may be disadvantaged in certain athletic metrics. (Telegraph)

Van Leuven’s reaction was heartfelt and direct: “Once again, it’s a loss for the trans community in sports. And that breaks my heart.” She emphasized that inclusion is more than a word in a policy—it’s about recognizing the humanity of athletes behind the labels. “My heart goes out to all the athletes impacted by this. We remain visible. We keep going.”

Support, Solidarity, and Hope for Change

Despite the backlash, Van Leuven found solidarity among some of darts’ biggest names. Michael van Gerwen, three-time world champion, described the WDF’s ban as “heartbreaking.” He added, “She does what she does and she can play terrific darts. Let her play nice. For me, there’s never been a discussion but I don’t make the rules.” The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) remained supportive, with the crowd at Ally Pally largely focused on the game, not the controversy. As the session unfolded—beer flowing, fans cheering—there was no chorus of boos for Van Leuven. In fact, the PDC’s official LGBTQ group was visibly supported at the Grand Slam with rainbow symbols. (Outsports)

Success on the PDC Challenge Tour led to Van Leuven’s qualification for the Grand Slam and this year’s World Championship. Yet the attention brought not just opportunity, but intensified scrutiny and a surge in transphobic commentary, particularly online. Van Leuven’s mental health began to recover only with intensive behavioral therapy—her team visiting three times a week, literally helping her out of bed. “But there were more and more moments when it felt a little better,” she said. (Them)

Performance and Perspective: Ally Pally 2025

Facing two-time champion Peter Wright in the opening round, Van Leuven held her own in scoring but struggled with doubles, hitting just 19%. Wright, with a 56% success rate, took the match 3-0. “It just wasn’t my game,” Van Leuven admitted. “I am happy to be at Ally Pally, I am not really happy with how I performed.” She expressed hope for a better showing next year and congratulated fellow competitor Beau Greaves. “She is a great player, a great human being.” (Express)

Van Leuven’s place on the women’s tour has been hotly debated, with detractors and supporters alike. She ranks fourth on the order of merit, a testament to her skill and perseverance. The rules, however, remain in flux. The PDC continues to follow the Darts Regulation Authority and IOC guidance, which stress “no presumption of advantage” and “inclusion,” yet leave room for sport-by-sport decisions on “disproportionate advantage.”

Through it all, Van Leuven remains determined: “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.”

In a year marked by exclusion, abuse, and ongoing policy battles, Noa-Lynn Van Leuven’s journey is a stark reminder that sports are not just about competition—they are about the struggle for dignity and belonging. Her resilience, and the growing support from fans and peers, challenge institutions to move beyond mere ‘fairness’ and consider the lived realities of athletes. In 2025, Van Leuven’s story is not just about darts—it’s about the fight for inclusion, visibility, and respect in sports everywhere.