Speaking for the first time on the new regulations in an interview with NPO Radio 1, Van Leuven expressed her frustration with the decision. "We say we are for inclusion in sports, but then we use a study that, in my opinion, is not independent," she stated.
The decision by the UK-based PDC hinges on a report authored by developmental biologist Emma Hilton. Hilton is a co-founder of Sex Matters, a UK lobby group that advocates for the view that there are only two sexes. The report concludes that individuals assigned male at birth retain a physical advantage in darts, citing factors like broader shoulders, greater muscle mass, and superior motor skills.
Van Leuven challenges these findings directly. "The report looks purely at male-female and nothing in between," she explained. "It doesn't take into account, for example, the influence that hormone replacement therapies can have. I find it hard to believe this is independent."
She also questioned the relevance of the cited physical advantages in a sport like darts. "There are former world champions who prove that you don't have to be big or strong to be good at darts," she argued, adding that top-level sport is never perfectly fair. "In athletics, there will always be someone who is taller and takes longer strides. Or in swimming, someone with bigger hands or more lung capacity who swims better laps."
A Challenging Climate
Van Leuven places the PDC's decision within a wider political context. "It's just difficult when you look at the political climate," she observed. "In England, it's becoming increasingly difficult to live your life as a trans person, not to mention America... And the PDC is based in England. On one hand, I'm very combative and want to fight it, but on the other hand, I think it's a bit like pulling at a dead horse."
While she has received support from her personal circle and sponsors, she noted a lack of public support from top male players like Michael van Gerwen. "He has to focus on his own career, of course, and it's not like we see each other a lot 'on the tour'. But I also find it somewhat of a shame," she commented.
A New Challenge
The ban has had a personal and financial impact, cutting off a significant portion of her income and initially leaving her unmotivated. "I certainly didn't train for a week. I thought, what am I even doing this for?" she admitted. "But after that week, I got back behind the dartboard to find the fun in it again."
With the women's tour no longer an option for securing a coveted tour card, Van Leuven must now compete exclusively in the open category against men. She remains determined, viewing it as a new opportunity. "I have proven in the past that I can compete there," she said. "I find that reassuring, and it makes it a nice challenge."
Her immediate plans include competing in tournaments in Switzerland and Sweden as she rebuilds her schedule and focuses on the path ahead.
