- Noa-Lynn van Leuven made her World Championship debut last month
- He has now decided to take a break from darts to focus on his mental health.
- The transgender star has faced calls to be banned from women's events.
Darts' first major transgender player has revealed she is taking a break from the sport to prioritize her mental health.
Dutch star Noa-Lynn van Leuven, 28, made her World Championship debut last month when she lost in the first round at Alexandra Palace to compatriot Kevin Doets.
He returned to action when he entered Q-School this week, where players compete to qualify for major tournaments. However, after being eliminated in the early stages, Van Leuven confirmed she will be giving up darts for a while after struggling to find her best form.
In a post on Instagram, Van Leuven wrote: “Unfortunately, I did not play my best matches. The truth is that my head has not been in the right place for a long time. I have been struggling with my mental health for months, every time a tournament.
“I tried to put it aside, but this time I couldn't. Focusing on the darts, while old traumas from last year's events are erupting, doesn't work. “It's time to prioritize my mental health and work to improve.”
She concluded her post by promising to return to the sport when she's ready, adding, “This is not the end of my journey, just a step back to move forward.” Thank you to everyone who supported me along the way; “I appreciate it more than I can put into words.”
Transgender darts player Noa-Lynn van Leuven (pictured) has announced she will be taking a break from the sport
Van Leuven made his World Championship debut at Alexandra Palace last month
Her decision to temporarily leave the sport comes after some female rivals, including British star Deta Hedman (pictured), called for transgender players to be banned from women's events.
Van Leuven, who began her transition as a teenager, enjoyed a breakthrough in 2024 by winning multiple women's tournaments.
However, her success was not welcomed by all players, and some of her female rivals, including British star Deta Hedman, called for transgender players to be banned from women's events.
Van Leuven responded in October, when she labeled those who wanted to eliminate her from tournaments as “toxic bitches.”
She said: 'I thought the world should know. This is discrimination. We've gone back 40 years with the sport of darts.'
He later told a Dutch outlet. NO: 'They (other players) secretly tell me that they don't understand the commotion. But there are a lot of conservative and toxic bitches on the women's circuit.
“They see me as a threat. I throw well now (on the women's circuit) because I feel more comfortable.
'It's a matter of putting money and hours into it. Not many women do that, but I do. I have shown that I can also conquer men.
Van Leuven was also rejected by her own teammates in early 2024, when Dutch duo Anca Zijlstra and Aileen de Graaf left the national team in March after refusing to play for it.
Van Leuven later revealed that he received daily death threats on social media, but vowed to continue playing due to his love of darts.
Anca Zijlstra (left) and Aileen de Graaf (right) refused to play on the same team as Van Leuven.
Van Leuven said she received daily death threats online after her own teammates turned against her.
“We all remember when my Dutch teammates retired,” said Van Leuven, quoted by the sun.
'I received so many hate messages on my social media. People recognized me on the street. Most of them were fine and really supportive.
'But those messages, like death threats… how many did I receive? Daily? In that period yes.
“I love this game, so I will continue playing,” he added.
However, Van Leuven has now chosen to take a step back from the sport after admitting he has struggled with his mental health in recent times.