Deta Hedman Withdraws from Darts Tournament Over Refusal to Compete Against Transgender Opponent ‘I’m not playing a man in a women’s event!’

Female darts player Deta Hedman has decided to withdraw from the Denmark Open tournament after expressing her reluctance to compete against transgender player Noa-Lynn van Leuven.

This decision has stirred controversy and reignited debates about the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports events.

‘I’m not playing a man in a women’s event!’

Hedman, a seasoned figure in the darts world at 64 years old, declined to play against defending champion Noa-Lynn van Leuven in the quarter-final stage of the Denmark Open. This move ended her chances of progressing further in the tournament, which offers a prize of 12,000 DKK (£1,400) for the winner.

@Riley_Gaines_ thank you for your kind offer , but Denmark Darts paid me out in full for event . @SaveWSports . This subject causing much angst in the sport I love . People can be whoever they want in life but I don't think biological born men should compete in Women's sport

— Deta Hedman (@Deta132) May 6, 2024

Initially reported as a withdrawal due to illness, Hedman clarified on social media platform X that her decision was based on her stance against competing against a transgender woman in a women’s sports event.

She emphasised her support for fairnwithdrawnts and her opposition to the participation of biological males in women’s competitions.

Hedman’s decision has drawn attention and support from various quarters, including former US swimmer Riley Gaines, who offered financial support to Hedman for any losses incurred due to her decision. However, Hedman confirmed that she had received full payment from Denmark Darts for her participation.

This incident has underscored ongoing debates about the eligibility of transgender athletes in women’s sports.

Hedman’s stance aligns with her previous statements highlighting her discomfort with transgender participation in women’s ranked events, despite expressing no personal issues with transgender individuals outside of sports.

The controversy extends beyond darts, as similar concerns have been raised in other sports recently. Pool player Lynne Pinches also declined a professional contract due to discomfort with competing against transgender champion Harriet Haynes in a women’s championship.

Despite the controversy, the Denmark Open concluded with Beau Greaves claiming victory in the women’s event and Connor Scutt securing the title in the men’s event.

These events have brought renewed attention to the ongoing discussions surrounding transgender inclusion and fairness in sports competitions.

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