Noa-Lynn van Leuven has revealed she is to take a break from the sport to focus on her mental health.

The Dutch star created history last month by becoming the first transgender darts player to compete at the PDC World Championship.

Noa-Lynn van Leuven has confirmed she is to step back from dartsCredit: Rex
The 28-year-old was pitted against compatriot Kevin Doets, where she lost 3-1 in the first round at Ally Pally.

Van Leuven recently returned to action this week at Q-School, where players compete to qualify for the sports major tournaments.

However, after another early exit, Van Leuven took to social media to confirm her intention to take a sabbatical from the sport.
She wrote on Instagram: “Q-School 2025 is over, and unfortunately, I didn’t play my best game.

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“The truth is, my mind hasn’t really been in the right place for a while.

“I’ve been struggling with my mental health for months, and every time a tournament comes up, I’ve tried to push it aside. But this time, it caught up with me.
“Trying to focus on darts while dealing with old traumas that were triggered last year just doesn’t work, and I’ve realised it’s time to shift my focus.

“It’s time to prioritise my mental health and work on actually getting better.

“Thanks to everyone who’s supported me along the way – I appreciate it more than I can put into words.”

Van Leuven created history at the PDC World Championship in December
Van Leuven broke through in darts in 2024, claiming victory in a host of women’s tournaments.
However, her heroics were not welcomed by everyone in the sport with female rival Deta Hedman urging the authorities to ban all transgender players from women’s tournaments.

Van Leuven has not taken the criticism lying down, freely firing back at her detractors.

Hitting back in October, she said: “I thought the world should know. This is discrimination. We have been thrown back 40 years with the sport of darts.”

She later added: “They (female players) secretly tell me that they don’t understand the commotion. But there are a lot of conservative, toxic b****** on the women’s tour.

“They see me as a threat. I throw well now because I feel more comfortable.

Hedman boycotted a match against Van Leuven and spoke out on her views on transgender athletes in sport

Hedman boycotted a match against Van Leuven and spoke out on her views on transgender athletes in sportCredit: Getty Images – Getty
“It’s a matter of putting money and hours into it. Not many women do that, but I do. I’ve proven I can win over men, too.”

Van Leuven previously revealed she has received death threats via social media, but claims she will not let the abuse stop her from playing the sport she loves.

She previously remarked: “I got so many hate messages on my socials. People recognised me on the street. Most were fine and really supportive.

“But those messages, like death threats. How many did I get? On a daily basis? In that period, yes.

“I love this game, so I’ll keep playing.”