Michael Smith returns to action amid emotional triumph
Former world darts champion Michael Smith broke down in tears during an interview following his return to competitive action at the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton, reports BritPanorama.
The 35-year-old St Helens player, relishing his first televised tournament since March, became visibly upset while discussing his enforced absence from the sport. Smith shared his frustration about being sidelined while watching fellow professionals compete for titles, expressing anger about missing tournaments due to injury.
Fighting back tears, he stated that observing others’ success from his sofa had been particularly difficult. This emotional response followed Smith’s 5-3 victory against Nathan Aspinall on Saturday evening, marking a significant comeback after eight months away from televised competition. Despite managing an average score of 88.21, Smith was able to capitalise on his opponent’s struggles with double attempts.
The victory was particularly meaningful given Smith’s extensive medical challenges throughout 2024, which included complications from arthritis in his throwing hand, shoulder joint issues, and difficulties with both his foot and ankle. He also underwent laser eye treatment in July to address vision problems, temporarily stepping away from competitive play to recover.
During his post-match interview with Viaplay, Smith voiced his deep desire to compete again. “I just want to be competing. I’m sick of sitting at home watching people win tournaments and I’m sat at home. It p***** me off. S*** happens, I guess,” he admitted. The 2023 world champion emphasised that competing on major stages is integral to his identity, insisting that sitting at home is not who he is.
Smith acknowledged that his opponent, Aspinall, should have won the match, admitting, “Nathan should have won that. He should have won that 5-0, easy. I just hung in there and I got the job done in the end.” He categorically ruled out any thoughts of retirement despite his physical struggles, asserting, “Not once,” when asked about ending his career. Smith highlighted his track record of competing through severe injuries, including a previous appearance in the UK Open semi-finals with a leg wound.
Looking ahead, Smith faces world number one Luke Humphries on Sunday before concluding his group campaign against American Alex Spellman. His perseverance through injury and emotional challenges brings a resonance to his return, illustrating the complexities athletes endure beyond the competition itself.
The thrower’s resilience has defined his career from a young age. “I broke both my hands when I was 19, had casts for five months and then when I got them taken off, within two weeks I won my first ProTour at 19. I’m a fighter, that’s it. I’ll be back, don’t worry,” he remarked. Smith concluded, “It’s been a long road, it’s been a battle. Just everything. Injuries, life itself. To get up there, to win that match is a bit emotional and I’m just glad to get over the line.”
In a sport where mental and physical challenges intertwine, Smith’s journey underscores the essence of determination, reminding us all of the often unseen battles athletes face every day.
