Should darts one day be in the Olympics? It is a dilemma which has divided the sporting community.
Sir Clive Woodward, the mastermind of England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup triumph, recently tweeted “Darts is definitely an Olympic sport. Look at the fans, TV coverage, audience and real skill under pressure."
Woodward’s words are important as surely in order to present a more impartial view one must consider the opinion of a leading figure from another sport.
If you were to ask any darts player for their view, one could hazard a guess as to what they would say.
Gary Anderson, a two time consecutive PDC World champion, believes that darts should be an Olympic Sport, not surprisingly. The Flying Scotsman has been very open in his views recently.
Anderson said: “People say darts is a sport, people say darts isn’t a sport. Is snooker a sport? We are up there performing in front of these crowds, I think it is.”
Anyone can play darts, whether you’re an Oxbridge elitist or stacking shelves at the local supermarket. It is a game which is easily accessible and isn’t that what the Olympics is about?
However, one could say that any person associated with a sport advocating for inclusion in the Olympics could simply be accused of blowing their own trumpet. And, why wouldn’t they? Their careers depend upon it and there is a lot of money to be made.
Eric Bristow is the exception.
The 5 time world champion and enemy of the establishment wrote in his autobiography: “Darts doesn’t need the Olympics; it’s full of drugees.”
On this issue Bristow raises an interesting point, as darts is a relatively safe sport for drug abuse. Doping is non-existent in terms of performance enhancing drugs compared to other sports such as cycling.
Darts might not need the Olympics, but does the Olympics need darts?
Does darts want to associate itself with an organisation like the IOC considering its previous history of cheating? One could say that darts would be better off without the hassle.
It’s important to take what Bristow says with a pinch of salt. Especially considering his recent sacking by Sky for his comments regarding the football abuse scandal. Maybe Bristow should keep his opinions to himself.
Many other sports have survived in the Olympics wilderness despite seeking still seeking inclusion. Powerboating was once on the bill in 1908. We have horse riding, so why not horse power? How about squash? At least that one has a ball.
Whether darts should be included in the Olympics is up to debate, but it is a sport that can survive and is continuing to thrive in the short term future.
Sir Clive Woodward, the mastermind of England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup triumph, recently tweeted “Darts is definitely an Olympic sport. Look at the fans, TV coverage, audience and real skill under pressure."
Woodward’s words are important as surely in order to present a more impartial view one must consider the opinion of a leading figure from another sport.
If you were to ask any darts player for their view, one could hazard a guess as to what they would say.
Gary Anderson, a two time consecutive PDC World champion, believes that darts should be an Olympic Sport, not surprisingly. The Flying Scotsman has been very open in his views recently.
Anderson said: “People say darts is a sport, people say darts isn’t a sport. Is snooker a sport? We are up there performing in front of these crowds, I think it is.”
Anyone can play darts, whether you’re an Oxbridge elitist or stacking shelves at the local supermarket. It is a game which is easily accessible and isn’t that what the Olympics is about?
However, one could say that any person associated with a sport advocating for inclusion in the Olympics could simply be accused of blowing their own trumpet. And, why wouldn’t they? Their careers depend upon it and there is a lot of money to be made.
Eric Bristow is the exception.
The 5 time world champion and enemy of the establishment wrote in his autobiography: “Darts doesn’t need the Olympics; it’s full of drugees.”
On this issue Bristow raises an interesting point, as darts is a relatively safe sport for drug abuse. Doping is non-existent in terms of performance enhancing drugs compared to other sports such as cycling.
Darts might not need the Olympics, but does the Olympics need darts?
Does darts want to associate itself with an organisation like the IOC considering its previous history of cheating? One could say that darts would be better off without the hassle.
It’s important to take what Bristow says with a pinch of salt. Especially considering his recent sacking by Sky for his comments regarding the football abuse scandal. Maybe Bristow should keep his opinions to himself.
Many other sports have survived in the Olympics wilderness despite seeking still seeking inclusion. Powerboating was once on the bill in 1908. We have horse riding, so why not horse power? How about squash? At least that one has a ball.
Whether darts should be included in the Olympics is up to debate, but it is a sport that can survive and is continuing to thrive in the short term future.
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