Darts legend Deta continuing to defy the odds on world stage

By Rodney Hinds

IN TERMS of sport, the postWindrush generation have made their mark in many disciplines. One woman who has literally made her point in a different way is darts player Deta Hedman.

Deta defied the odds yet again when she toppled superstar Fallon Sherrock and qualified for the PDC World Darts Championship 2021 – at the tender age of 60.

Jamaica-born Deta described her latest win as ‘‘un- believable’’ as she became the second oldest debutant and the sixth woman to compete on the sport’s grandest stage. She upset the odds and narrowly pipped Sherrock to second position on the 2020 order of merit.

Deta, who has been a role model in the sport for years, told the Voice of Sport: ‘‘I surprised myself, I really did! The week before I played the Challenge Tour and that’s what set me up really, it gave me the belief. I hadn’t been throwing well and I’d been working more days than normal at the Royal

Mail. This meant I hadn’t been able to practice, but when I played the Challenge Tour the week before and got some good wins, it gave me my belief back.”

Despite her achievements, that include over 200 ranking titles, qualifying meant that she and her brother Al become the first siblings to play at the tournament, as he qualified in 2003. Hedman added: “It’s crazy, isnt it? Even at my tender age I’m still getting records.

“I’ve joked to the PDC that I could persuade Al to dust off his darts and we could repre- sent Jamaica at the World Cup, as they are a team short.”

Deta’s achievements are even more noteworthy as unlike athletics, boxing, cricket and football, she’s generally been on he own.

She told vice.com: “We were in Europe once and someone said in a clear voice, ‘I didn’t know they trained monkeys to throw darts.’ It doesn’t really bother me as such. If they were to say it in my face, then I would tackle them. I would go back in their face. If it continues then obviously I’ll do something about it.”