Wayne Mardle firmly against Olympic status for darts: “That would not be the pinnacle of a darts player"

The debate over a potential Olympic future for darts is flaring up more and more. With sold-out arenas, rising viewing figures, and growing global popularity, the call for inclusion in the Olympic program is louder than ever. But according to former professional darter and TV analyst Wayne Mardle, that is a step the sport should not want to take.

The Englishman is outspoken in his stance and believes darts simply does not fit within the traditional Olympic ethos. “It should not be in the Olympics,” Mardle states resolutely on JOE. “The absolute pinnacle of an Olympian is a gold medal. That would not be the pinnacle of a darts player."

According to Mardle, elite sport within the Olympic sphere is about a unique form of physical and athletic performance, something he feels cannot be compared with the structure and traditions of darts. “Olympians back in the day were born different," he said. “That is what I believe Olympians should be. I don’t like half the sports that are in it."

By that, he refers to disciplines that in his view are less traditional in character or appearance, and which darts is sometimes compared to. "And we are going to go down pistol shooting, rifling, archery and all that. It’s like they’re in it and darts should be in it. If that’s the argument then yes. Just no, not for me.”

Mardle’s view stands in stark contrast to that of some top players. World-class star Luke Humphries does see a future for darts at the Olympic Games. He believes the scale and popularity of the sport justify a place on the world’s biggest sporting stage.

The Englishman, who has already won virtually every major title, even sees an Olympic crown as a missing piece in his trophy cabinet. “With some of the sports that are Olympic sports, if darts ain’t bigger than breakdancing then that is crazy," Humphries said. “I have pretty much won everything else in darts that I can win. Without winning the gold medal that would be the next one to win wouldn’t it.”

Michael van Gerwen takes a different view of the discussion. The Dutchman regards darts primarily as a blend of sport and entertainment and seems less concerned with whether Olympic participation is desirable.

“I think it is a mix between sport and entertainment," Van Gerwen states matter-of-factly. "Whatever people say about it I don’t care anyway.”