Noa-Lynn van Leuven is poised to make history as the first transgender woman to compete in the PDC World Darts Championship, a landmark moment for both the athlete and the sport. The 28-year-old Dutch darts player, known as “The Duchess,” will face Kevin Doets in the first round, with the victor advancing to play former world champion Michael Smith. While her participation has sparked some debate within the darts community, notably Deta Hedman forfeiting a match against Van Leuven, the reigning world champion Luke Humphries has voiced his support, emphasizing that Van Leuven earned her place in the competition through merit and adherence to the rules. He advocates for allowing her to focus on her performance without undue scrutiny.
Van Leuven’s appearance at the world championship will also offer a glimpse into her personal style, particularly her heavily tattooed throwing arm. She has openly discussed the meaning behind her ink, viewing it as an expression of her identity and passions. A key piece is a feather, her first tattoo, symbolizing freedom and her journey of self-discovery. It incorporates the semi-colon, a symbol of resilience and overcoming challenges. Another prominent tattoo features a monkey wearing a rainbow cape and holding a dart, blending her love for monkeys and her dedication to darts. She explains that the monkey embodies her playful spirit and competitive drive, actively “playing along” whenever she throws darts.
Van Leuven’s tattoos are a vibrant tapestry of her personality, extending beyond the dart-playing monkey and the symbolic feather. Other designs include a cat with a pink bow, further showcasing her fondness for animals and a playful aesthetic. She has worked with tattoo artist Anna Molly at the Moshi Moshi studio in the Netherlands to create these personalized pieces. A recurring theme is monkeys, with additions like a “chef monkey” further populating her arm with these playful primates. The growing collection of monkey tattoos suggests a fun-loving personality and a potential tradition of commemorating milestones with new ink.
Van Leuven’s tattoos are more than just decorative; they serve as a visual narrative of her life and identity. The feather, adorned with subtle transgender colors, signifies her journey of self-acceptance and freedom to be true to herself. It also carries the powerful message of resilience, embodied by the semi-colon, conveying her strength in overcoming challenges. Meanwhile, the dart-wielding monkey in the rainbow cape celebrates her passion for darts and her vibrant personality. The monkey motif, expanded with additions like the chef monkey, suggests an ongoing narrative inked onto her skin, potentially marking significant moments in her life and career.
The upcoming World Darts Championship presents a crucial moment for Van Leuven, as she steps onto the global stage to compete against the best in the sport. Her participation marks a significant step forward for inclusivity in darts, and her performance will be keenly watched. Beyond the competitive aspect, Van Leuven’s presence will also bring visibility to the transgender community within the sporting world. Whether she adds to her tattoo collection to commemorate this milestone remains to be seen, but it would certainly be a fitting tribute to her journey and achievement.
The intersection of personal expression, athletic pursuit, and social significance converged as Noa-Lynn van Leuven prepares for her historic appearance at the PDC World Darts Championship. Her tattoos, each carrying personal meaning, offer a glimpse into her journey and personality. As she prepares to compete, the world will not only witness her dart-throwing skills but also the story etched onto her skin, a testament to her resilience, passions, and the evolving landscape of professional sports. The possibility of a new tattoo commemorating her world championship experience adds another layer of intrigue to her story, a potential visual marker of this pivotal moment in her career.
