Luke Humphries reflects on anxiety and triumph in professional darts
Luke Humphries has revealed that he considered walking away from professional darts after suffering an anxiety attack which left him fearing his career was over, reports BritPanorama.
The world No 2 endured this daunting episode during a tournament in 2019, a pivotal moment before he established himself as a leading player in the sport. The pressure of competition became so overwhelming that he questioned whether he could continue.
“I just felt like my career was going to end and I almost thought about giving it up because the stress was playing on me a lot,” the 31-year-old said. Seeking help, Humphries connected with the Samaritans to promote World Suicide Prevention Day, acknowledging the importance of addressing mental health issues.
In hindsight, Humphries believes that reaching out for support was a turning point. “I decided to stick with it and it was the best choice I ever made, to be honest. It really did pay its dividends,” he shared. Opening up to his parents proved crucial as well, enabling him to navigate the struggles he was facing.
His resilience has since led him to accumulate nine major titles, culminating in his victory at the World Championship in January 2024. He defeated the talented Luke Littler, a moment he describes as surreal considering his mental state at the time.
Despite the accolades and success, Humphries admits that anxiety still lingers. However, he has adopted strategies to manage these episodes effectively. “I still get those moments of anxiety and stuff, but they’re just random,” he explained, noting that they can arise unexpectedly.
“They’re not in moments you would expect, surrounded by hundreds of people. It could just be a random moment when I’m driving in the car by myself and you just get this bout of anxiety.” Yet, he added, his ability to cope has significantly improved.
Humphries’ journey is not merely that of a sportsman; it serves as a reminder of the complexities athletes face off the field. As he continues his career, his candid reflections on mental health resonate far beyond the world of darts, illustrating that even in triumph, the fight for well-being remains a priority.
