Luke Humphries Supports Trans Player Noa-Lynn van Leuven

Luke Humphries Supports Trans Player Noa-Lynn van Leuven

He went on to say: “That group is a great challenge for her. She will enjoy the chance to play two of the greatest players that have ever been, Michael [van Gerwen] and Gary [Anderson].

“I don’t know Noa-Lynn very well, to be honest, I’ve only met her once before at the Women’s World Matchplay, on the day I was in the final. She has been doing great, playing well, so I wish her all the best.”

Historic Milestone for Noa-Lynn van Leuven in Professional Darts

World darts champion Luke Humphries has publicly shown his support for Noa-Lynn van Leuven, the first transgender player set to compete in the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) World Championship at Alexandra Palace next month. Van Leuven, who transitioned in 2021, made her televised debut over the weekend in the Grand Slam of Darts after securing her place through the PDC Women’s Order of Merit. Competing against male players, her match was broadcast live on Sky Sports, marking a significant step for transgender athletes in the sport.

Humphries Encourages Focus on Performance Over Politics

Commenting on van Leuven’s participation, Humphries urged fans and fellow players to “get on with it and play.” He emphasized the importance of focusing on her skills rather than her identity, acknowledging the strength of her opponents, including renowned players Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson. “That group is a great challenge for her,” Humphries said, highlighting the competitive opportunity she has earned. “She will enjoy the chance to play two of the greatest players that have ever been.”

Van Leuven’s Resilience in Facing Challenges

Despite her historic participation, van Leuven encountered setbacks in her initial games, losing 5-0 to van Gerwen and 5-3 to Ryan Joyce. Humphries acknowledged these challenges but expressed admiration for her dedication to the sport. “I don’t know Noa-Lynn very well,” he shared, recalling their brief interaction at the Women’s World Matchplay. “She has been doing great, playing well, so I wish her all the best.”

Focusing on Merit and Fair Competition

Humphries’ support comes after British darts star Deta Hedman made headlines by forfeiting a quarter-final match against van Leuven at the Denmark Open earlier this year. Reflecting on the broader discourse around transgender athletes in sports, Humphries stated, “I don’t get too involved in the politics, it’s not up to me to say whether it is right or wrong.” He emphasized his neutral stance, recognizing van Leuven as a competitor who qualified fairly. “She is in the competition on merit, she has not broken any rules, she is doing what she is allowed to do,” he concluded, reiterating his focus on sportsmanship over controversy.

With Humphries’ public endorsement, van Leuven’s participation is further affirmed as a milestone moment in the world of darts, underscoring both her determination and the evolving inclusivity in professional sports.

Source : https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/11/11/darts-world-champion-luke-humphries-noa-lynn-van-leuven/