England’s Deta Hedman refused to play her quarterfinal darts match at this weekend’s Denmark Open because her opponent, Noa-Lynn van Leuven, is transgender.
Hedman later took to social media to clarify her decision after a reporter said she opted out of the event due to an illness.
“No fake illness, I said I wouldn’t play a man in a ladies event,” the 64-year-old wrote on X.
Many darts events are open to all genders, but the Denmark Open is split into men’s and women’s competitions.
Van Leuven lost to eventual champion Beau Graves in the semifinals.
Hedman’s decision drew support from several American conservatives, including OutKick’s Riley Gaines. The former collegiate swimmer offered to pay any prize money that Hedman could have won.
“Bravery deserves to be rewarded,” Gaines wrote on X.
Hedman thanked Gaines for her offer but noted that Denmark Darts paid her in full for the event.
“This subject causing much angst in the sport I love,” Hedman wrote on X on Monday. “People can be whoever they want in life but I don’t think biological born men should compete in women’s sport.”
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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