Noa-Lynn van Leuven, the first openly transgender darts player to compete at the PDC World Championship, has announced her retirement from some events
Transgender darts player Noa-Lynn van Leuven has announced she’s been ‘forced to retire’ after being barred from participating in women’s competitions.
The Darts Regulation Authority recently decreed that transgender women will no longer be allowed to compete in women’s events.
Van Leuven made history as the first openly transgender darts player to take to the Ally Pally stage when she competed against Kevin Doets in 2024.
The 29-year-old was defeated 3-1. She also played at Ally Pally last December but was eliminated in the first round after a 3-0 loss to Peter Wright.
This occurred just a few months after she was prohibited from competing in women’s events on the WDF circuit.
And now, Van Leuven is unable to participate in the PDC Women’s Series, where she has won six titles.
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Speaking on Instagram, she said: “I just got an email. Apparently, I just got retired, not by choice, but because I am no longer allowed to compete.
“The DRA has just decided that trans women are no longer allowed in women’s events, which basically means I am out.”
“I have worked so damn hard for years just to get here. I showed up and I competed. I respected the sport every game and every single day.”
“Now, with just one decision, I am being told I no longer belong. This isn’t just about me, it is another huge hit for the trans community.”
“Especially after the recent decisions made by the IOC. Every day it is getting harder for trans people just to exist, to compete. If you think this stops with me, it doesn’t. We just want to be.”
The DRA’s decision comes in the wake of the International Olympic Committee’s prohibition on transgender athletes competing in female categories.
The rule will be enforced at the 2028 Los Angeles games and will apply to all future Olympic and IOC events.