Nathan Aspinall, one of the biggest names in darts, has revealed his struggles with dartitis, a condition that many players dread. Over the past few years, fans noticed changes in his throw, sparking questions and concerns. While Aspinall initially said it was just a regrip technique, he has now confirmed it was more serious: an ongoing battle with dartitis.
The Start of the Struggle
Aspinall’s troubles began during the 2023 Premier League Darts in a match against Peter Wright. At first, everything seemed fine. Aspinall raced into a 4-0 lead, dominating the game. But then, something unexpected happened. He suddenly couldn’t release his darts properly, and his confidence began to crumble. Despite his strong start, Aspinall lost the match 6-5, with Wright pulling off an incredible comeback.
That moment was devastating for Aspinall. He left the stage in tears, knowing deep down what he was dealing with. “All of a sudden, out of nowhere, I couldn’t throw my effing dart. I just couldn’t let it go,” he shared in Sky Sports’ documentary Game of Throws.
“It ended up getting worse and worse and worse to the point where I was in tears because I knew what it was. The dreaded D-word that no darts player ever wants to hear or get. Something called dartitis.”
What is Dartitis?
Dartitis is a psychological condition that affects a player’s ability to release the dart smoothly. It’s often described as a mental block or fear of missing. For professional players, it can be career-threatening. Aspinall explains it like this: “It’s the fear of missing. There’s something deep in the back of your head saying, ‘You’re going to miss this,’ so you stop.”
The condition is well-known in the darts world, and it’s a nightmare for those who experience it. “It’s horrific. No one ever wants to get it,” Aspinall said. “Not many people come back from it.”
For Aspinall, the frustration boiled over after that fateful match against Wright. “I lost the game 6-5. I went upstairs after the game, and I was in the toilet smashing ten lumps of [expletive] out of the hand dryer. I lost my head.”
The Road to Recovery
Despite the emotional and physical toll, Aspinall refused to let dartitis destroy his career. He sought help from a sports psychologist, a move that has proven vital in managing the condition. The psychologist worked with him to rebuild his confidence and develop techniques to overcome his fears.
One of the most powerful tools Aspinall uses is a personal reminder of why he plays darts: his family. He keeps a photo of his daughters on his darts case. Before every game, he looks at the photo, which helps him stay positive and focused. “It reminds me why I’m doing this,” he said. “It’s not just for me. It’s for them.”
A Career Still on Track
Aspinall’s battle with dartitis hasn’t stopped him from achieving incredible success. In the summer of 2023, he won the World Matchplay, one of the biggest titles in darts. That victory proved that even with dartitis, Aspinall could compete at the highest level. It was a moment of triumph that reminded fans why he’s one of the top stars in the PDC.
“I’ve been through hell with dartitis, but winning the World Matchplay was the highlight of my career,” he said. “It showed me that I can still do this, even with everything I’ve been through.”
An Ongoing Challenge
Although Aspinall is back to competing, dartitis is still something he deals with daily. He knows it may never completely go away, but he’s learned how to manage it. Through therapy, mental exercises, and sheer determination, he’s found a way to keep moving forward.
“I’m not going to lie and say it’s easy,” Aspinall admitted. “There are days when it’s tough. But I’ve learned to control it as best I can. The key is staying positive and not letting the fear take over.”
A Message to Fellow Players
Aspinall hopes his story will inspire others who may be struggling with dartitis or other mental challenges. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” he advised. “Talking to someone, whether it’s a psychologist, a friend, or a teammate, can make all the difference. You don’t have to go through it alone.”
He also believes that focusing on the reasons why you play, like family or personal goals, can help keep things in perspective. “For me, it’s my daughters. They’re my motivation. Whenever I feel like giving up, I think about them, and it pushes me to keep going.”
Looking Ahead
As Aspinall continues his career, fans will be watching to see how he performs in future tournaments. Despite the challenges, he’s proven that he’s a fighter. His journey is a testament to resilience and determination, showing that even in the face of adversity, success is possible.
“I’ve had my ups and downs, but I’m still here,” Aspinall said. “Dartitis doesn’t define me. I’m Nathan Aspinall, and I’m a fighter.”
Conclusion
Nathan Aspinall’s battle with dartitis is a reminder that even the best players face challenges. His honesty about his struggles and his determination to overcome them make him a true inspiration in the world of darts. While dartitis may have been a setback, it hasn’t stopped “The Asp” from chasing greatness and proving why he’s one of the sport’s most beloved stars.
Great player with great story!