Darts star Michael van Gerwen shares his health challenges and the reason behind wearing braces as he prepares for a major championship.
London: Michael van Gerwen is gearing up for a big match at Alexandra Palace. He’s just one game away from snagging his fourth PDC World Darts Championship title. He’ll be facing off against 17-year-old Luke Littler, who’s been making waves in the darts scene.
Van Gerwen is a legend in the game, boasting an impressive 157 PDC titles. But tonight, he’s the underdog. Littler is seen as a strong contender after a near win last year. There’s a hefty £500,000 prize on the line, and van Gerwen is eager to maintain his record as the youngest world champion, a title he earned at just 24.
Despite his past dominance, the last few years have been a bit rocky for the 35-year-old. He was once the world No.1 for seven years but now sits at third. He’s had some wins in 2023, but he’s hungry for the top prize again.
What’s been tough for him is a serious health issue. Van Gerwen has been dealing with a severe underbite, which has made eating and breathing a real challenge. He’s had two surgeries to fix it and has to wear braces for the next two years.
He explained that the surgeries involved breaking both his upper and lower jaw to align them properly. It’s been a long road to recovery, and he’s had to take breaks from darts to focus on healing.
He shared how even simple things like biting into a slice of ham became a struggle. The underbite has also affected his sleep and caused headaches. He’s been managing his schedule around his treatment, but it’s been a tough adjustment.
Van Gerwen reflected on his journey, saying he sometimes underestimates the challenges he’s faced. He’s been pushing himself hard, but he’s also learning to be kinder to himself.
As he nears the end of his treatment, he admits that some discomfort still lingers. After a recent match, he mentioned feeling off despite playing well. He’s determined to push through, knowing that the hard work will pay off in the end.
He compared his struggles to having root canal treatment, saying it’s been tough but necessary. He’s ready to keep fighting and hopes to overcome these challenges as he aims for victory.
