As the dust has settled following a successful Olympic Games at London 2012 last summer, with the mantra to ‘inspire a generation’ still ringing in our ears, the sporting world now sets its sights on Rio 2016, however, one corner of that world is in a tug of war like debate for recognition.
In the corner resides the sport of darts, a discipline which is not recognized by the International Olympic Committee, and won’t have the chance to apply for that recognition until 2024.
The games profile and global reach has gathered pace in recent years, with chairman of the PDC Barry Hearn overseeing the rebranding and repackaging of what many still call a ‘pub game’.
With a raised profile comes additional TV coverage, Sky Sports proving the perfect outlet to stage a spectacle that allows for maximum audience participation, it’s through Sky Sports that the Premier League format has been established, rising Darts stock tenfold.
Fans have their favourites who they cheer on with passion, and those who they boo in disapproval, allowing for a certain level of theatricality and pantomime.
Sixteen time world champion Phil Taylor recently voiced his opinion on a potential Olympic appearance for the ‘arras’, ‘If we got in there (the Olympics) I’d be chuffed to bits, I don’t think it’ll be in my lifetime but you never know’
Another supporter to the cause is former British Olympic Association Director of Sport, Sir Clive Woodward: ‘Darts is definitely an Olympic sport. Look at the fans, TV coverage, audience and real skill under pressure.’
But is it a real sport?
Those opposed to the sports legitimacy, claim it to be nothing more than a past time, something you would undertake down the pub with your mates for an hour before the football starts on a Saturday afternoon.
A stigma that I feel hinders the games wider perception and potential progression.
Its origins, established through the stadia of a dark and dingy, smoke filled public house with the smell of stale beer are unrepentant to some, despite the game breaking down the walls of humble beginnings, replacing it with bright lights, pyrotechnics and sell-out crowds.
Chairman Barry Hearn said in retort of the social stigma: ‘It’s a compliment that the sport should be taken seriously at last and the snobbishness that has spoiled the perception of darts has finally been defeated.’
The physical exertion or lack thereof has also been called into question.
Incomparable is the gruelling, unrelenting training regimes endured by the likes of Olympic heroes Mo Farrah and Jess Ennis.
Both aesthetically and lifestyle would also be a redundant comparison, I mean let’s be honest, stand a Sir Steve Redgrave or Sir Chris Hoy next to a PDC mainstay? No contest.
Athletes train through a four year circle, the Olympics being the end result, the pinnacle. Can the same be said for Darts professionals? I would have to disagree.
That’s not to disregard the mental strength required to play Darts at the highest level. Concentration, focus and nerve to produce the goods under extreme pressure are required by the truck load.
Also required is pinpoint precision and accuracy in execution when throwing darts, similarities can be drawn with a bowling action in Cricket or Baseball, even Javelin. The natural comparison is with Archery too, an established Olympic event.
The slightest fault can dramatically affect the darts final resting place on the board.
All in all, are the Olympics the appropriate theatre to showcase a sport like darts? Does darts need the Olympics and vice versa? I’m dubious.
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