"They're all overweight, with a few exceptions" - Two-time Olympic gold medallist sees no room for darts at future games

The Olympics are now a week behind us. However, the discussion of whether or not darts should become Olympic has not yet subsided, on the contrary. The topic was also recently covered in the podcast "Ellen & Naomi go on in Paris," in which Dutch former field hockey players Ellen Hoog and Naomi van As discuss the sports world.

Opinions on whether or not darts belongs in the Olympics are often divided. Michael van Gerwen and Luke Humphries previously said they were won over by the idea of adding darts to the Olympic program. However, Paul Nicholson and Jacques Nieuwlaat, among others, think that the chances of it effectively getting that far are extremely slim.

But Hoog is won over by it. "Totally agree," she says. "I'm big darts fan. Really a typical Olympic sport. They're all so nicely trained and fit. No, kidding. It's a popular TV sport, though. Chess is not an Olympic sport either, that would have to be first and then darts."

Darts has traditionally been associated with pubs and opponents do not consider darts a top sport. "I do find that difficult with darts," says Van As, gold medallist in both Beijing and London. "It's an eternal discussion because it looks so a-sporty. They're all overweight, with a few exceptions. And then they often play in such a dark room and then everyone's on beer." Something Hoog also agrees with. "All those fans who are completely out of control, all dressed up like morons. I think that's kind of a laugh to watch."

"Is it an Olympic sport?" she asks Van As wondered. "I don't think so, no. It is a popular sport, though." Still, she pokes fun at the darters: "It's clever what they do."